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Lori Fradkin

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Ryan Gosling Proves New Beard Study Is Bogus

Posted: 03/08/2012 5:00 pm

When the Daily Mail reported the latest in scientific research this morning -- the finding that women don't find beards attractive -- my immediate response was skepticism. It's not that I am a big facial-hair fan (in general, I am not), but a conclusion based on a few hundred women evaluating 19 men with and without beards just didn't seem worth that much attention. It took only a few hours before my decision to disregard this study was validated: Buzzfeed pulled together a special post in honor of International Women's Day with what turned out to be evidence. Women don't like men with beards? Oh, really?

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PARK CITY, UT - Actor Ryan Gosling walks in Park City on January 25, 2010 in Park City, Utah.

 

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When the Daily Mail reported the latest in scientific research this morning -- the finding that women don't find beards attractive -- my immediate response was skepticism. It's not that I am a big fac...
When the Daily Mail reported the latest in scientific research this morning -- the finding that women don't find beards attractive -- my immediate response was skepticism. It's not that I am a big fac...
 
 
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
LemmonHerk
05:06 PM on 03/21/2012
I love a good moustache, and a well-shaped and -groomed beard is fine, too. But what I absolutely LOATHE is this "I've been camping without a razor" look that so many men have adopted lately. They look like they've been sleeping under a bridge; unkempt, poorly groomed, and I'd go so far as to say it makes men look like they have overall poor hygiene, too. Not to mention how awful it feels to have your skin scoured when you kiss them. I HATE this look.
12:23 PM on 03/13/2012
A goatee is the sexiest thing going!!!! Ryan should trim it up a bit!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Layla Portier
The world is a vampire...
03:21 PM on 03/12/2012
The study is definitely hogwash. Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Conan O'brien are proof that beards can actually make a man more attractive.
07:55 PM on 03/12/2012
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Aitch Cee S
Hello Darling
11:55 PM on 03/11/2012
Beautiful man.
07:37 PM on 03/11/2012
I've had a beard since 1979, and my momma-lover (twice as old as I), then my ex, then my current wife (since 1987) have loved (or at least lived with), mah beard!
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Nate35
03:21 PM on 03/11/2012
This proves only that Ryan Gosling is attractive enough to overcome any handicap.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
MissTake1989
Equal means equal, hypocrites.
08:42 PM on 03/10/2012
Why is Ryan Gosling constantly demeaned and objectified by the female gaze?
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Aitch Cee S
Hello Darling
11:54 PM on 03/11/2012
you are so bitter, or something.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
MissTake1989
Equal means equal, hypocrites.
05:37 AM on 03/12/2012
So when women did it...it's actually a college degree (Women's Studies) and when men do it...it's bitter whining.

Got it.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
marinfan
03:44 PM on 03/10/2012
I'm partial to bearded women myself.
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seventeengeese
Be a flock star
08:47 AM on 03/10/2012
Ryan Gosling looks with or without anything on. I would assume.
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10:37 PM on 03/09/2012
I use mosquito spray because the blood-sucking little buggers don't like it and are repelled. I understand that most women don't like men with beards and that's exactly the reason I have a big, bushy one. In another 6 weeks I will have a "yeard"--a year old beard.

Although my beard is bushy I comb it and it lays nicely. Having taken vows of celibacy, chastity, and poverty I find that a woman repelling beard seals the deal and allows me to keep my life very simple and uncomplicated, which suits me perfectly.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Seer Clearly
Only truth remains when fear is denied
04:23 AM on 03/10/2012
You must really love to punish yourself. For what, I ask?
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busteddrum
I Can't Stand Intolerance
01:53 PM on 03/10/2012
I wonder why somebody who makes a personal decision to simplify their life deserves your derision? Would you react the same to a woman who wears a "deterrent ring"?
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busteddrum
I Can't Stand Intolerance
02:10 PM on 03/10/2012
Why does a person who decides to simplify their life deserve your derision? Would you react the same way to a woman who wears a "deterrent ring"?

Wembie said noting to demean women, and my response to you is also without prejudice.
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busteddrum
I Can't Stand Intolerance
02:26 PM on 03/10/2012
Your association of women with mosquitoes detracts from the simplicity of your decision. I have slowly evolved into a similar lifestyle but not with a conscious "vow".
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03:48 PM on 03/10/2012
You're right, a "deterrent" ring would have been a better example but not being a female I never even thought of it. Mosquito spray I know and even if one lands on you while wearing it they soon decide to go elsewhere. I didn't mean it to be disparaging to women.

The "vows" were really more of a joke than anything, but at heart they are true. I had a chaplain say to me that he really liked my beard and wished he could grow one like it because then his wife might allow him to have a beard. I don't have to worry about that and have the freedom to pretty much do and look as I please.

My hope is that women with whom I casually meet and interact would say to themselves, "Gee, what a nice guy, if only he didn't have that beard". I really enjoy women, I just don't want to have a relationship or be involved with any of them and the beard really helps to keep things at that casual point. Plus, "I" like how my beard looks on me and for me that's what counts.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Mr Sick Of Greed
05:52 PM on 03/09/2012
the most imporant point of this? Who cares?
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03:44 PM on 03/09/2012
With the high cost of razor blades these days-we may being seeing more beards- whether or not women find them attractive.
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04:22 PM on 03/10/2012
A 4 pack of razor blades is about $18. That is ridiculous. I have a beard because I cannot afford to keep buying razor blades.
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simian sez
Hands on your heads!
02:51 PM on 03/09/2012
From a distance a beard looks good.
Up close, it looks far from good.
But what do I know? Chimps have minimal facial hair.
02:45 PM on 03/09/2012
It's not just Ryan Gosling. Think about other famous bearded dudes like Abe Lincoln and Santa Claus.

Girls love those guys.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
signgrrl
design & production
07:50 AM on 03/10/2012
i DON'T love ryan gosling. i still can't figure out his "appeal". and i wouldn't go out with santa OR abe.
10:14 AM on 03/12/2012
It wasn't so much a "go out with" comment about Abe and Santa, as much as a "who doesn't like the guy who held the country together and the guy who brings presents every year" thing.

And I don't really get the Gosling thing either. Now, I'm a guy who could probably be his dad, so my opinion doesn't matter much. But he seems to have sort of beady eyes.
02:43 PM on 03/09/2012
I actually had to make myself click the next button on the one he was wearing glasses in.
oh my word.