What Can You Tell by a Man's Facial Hair?

Are you completely in love with a man's 5 o'clock shadow? Perhaps you like a full manly beard. Just as women express themselves with a myriad of hairstyles, men too show the world who they are-only with facial hair (or lack thereof.) There is a lot you can tell by the way a man chooses to rock a mustache and beard.

Clean-cut

The man who favors a clean face probably takes the same approach in his everyday lifestyle. And because keeping up with a smooth mug requires a bit of work (for most men, anyway), there is a great possibility that this guy has quite a bit of structure in his life, or at the very least-a routine that he's comfortable following.

Five o'clock Shadow

This look can be kind of tricky. British singer George Michael popularized the "shadow" in the 1980s, and has pretty much kept the look up ever since. There are perhaps just as many women who love a 5 o'clock shadow, as there are women who do not. This facial style is rugged and sexy, but can quickly get out of hand. Suffice it to say, the man who consistently maintains a well-manicured shadow is probably fairly at ease in his skin.

The Soul Patch

The "soul patch" is a tiny strip or patch of hair located directly under a man's lower lip, and was named so for its artsy roots. Despite its lack of volume, the "soul patch" creates quite the visual impact. Associated with musicians and entertainers like Maxwell, Chris Daughtry, and Howie Mandell, one might say that it takes a man with a special personality to sport a "soul patch"-one who is probably fairly creative.

Full Beard Swag

In recent years male celebrities (like Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix) have ditched their clean-shaven looks, opting for full beards. The full beard denotes the most rugged sort of masculinity. Some men are just sick of shaving; others are attempting to make a statement. You'll be able to tell much by how the beard is maintained. If it's wild, out of control, or patchy, there is a possibility that the man sporting it is also wild, out of control, or "patchy."

Mustache Only

Actor Tom Selleck's bushy mustache made him a sex symbol. But this solo strip of hair has become less popular over the years. The solo mustache has a decidedly European feel. The look implies the kind of sophistication required of wine connoisseurs and well-read journalists. A man who opts for this facial hair style is probably a serious thinker.

Facial "Art"

It takes a man with a lot of guts to shave distinctive designs into his facial hair. The same sentiment applies to those who have carefully sculpted their mustaches into 3D works of art. You could call these guys artsy. But that would probably be a gross understatement. Men with extremely characteristic facial "art" are more than likely keen on expressing themselves, and probably have extroverted personalities.

Mustache and Goatee

The mustache-and-goatee look is a bit difficult to pinpoint, as it is an extremely popular style. The connected mustache and goatee could be considered a "deconstructed" beard-indicative of a balanced personality. The artfully trimmed (read: mustache, soul patch, and goatee) version reveals specific purpose, especially if connected to sideburns. All in all, the man who rocks this look is comfortable asserting his masculinity without going overboard.

SOURCES:

www.people.com
www.about.com
www.ivillage.com
www.psychologytoday.com