Height is a common consideration for men when they compare themselves to their counterparts. It is widely believed that taller men have better chances in business and with the ladies. So shorter men tend to try all sorts of things to appear taller. This article will explore growing a beard as one of the ways men theorize will make them look taller.
Beards do not typically make men look shorter. Unfortunately, there is equally no direct evidence that beards make men appear to be taller either. A study done by researchers at the University of California San Francisco showed that men with beards were perceived as being significantly shorter than those without beards. However, a study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology shows that facial hair does not affect height perception.
Although some studies show that bearded men may appear shorter, others show that they actually appear taller. The university study determined that men appeared shorter with beards even when the men had their hair trimmed to match the length of their beard.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto showed that men with beardless faces appeared to be taller than those with full beards.
Some scientists believe that men with beards appear shorter because they are less confident in themselves. They feel more vulnerable and therefore subconsciously appear shorter. However, this theory cannot explain why women perceive men with beards as being taller.
In conclusion, based on the conflicting research, you can surmise that the presence of a beard does not seem to affect height perception.