By Dayne Hudson
These days, you can't stumble outside to collect your mail without coming across a man with a large amount of facial hair.
Some guys certainly pull it off really well and there's no doubt - just like different styles of clothing - this is a current fashion statement.
But why?
What's the reason behind the current trends of beards?
HIPSTER BEARDS AND WHY THEY'RE SO POPULAR
Well, scientists have their theory...
They suggest it's all about looking aggressive to other males, and sexier to females.
A similiar tactic is also used by 154 species of primates, as discovered by a group of University of Western Australia researchers.
They found the larger the society of primates, the more competition for finding a lover. Yep. Sounds like Saturday night at the pub.
So how do the animals compete? They develop what they deem an edge.
Orang-utans - they have their cheek flanges, while proboscis monkeys have elongated noses.
And males? Well, some grow beards. And big ones.
Let's hear from one of the researchers, Dr Cyril Grueter from the University of WA:
“In large groups where individuals are surrounded by strangers, we need a quick reliable tool to evaluate someone’s strength and quality, and that’s where these elaborate ornaments come in.”
Dr Grueter also says we buy dominance as well as grow it - jewellery, body decorations and other prestige items also have a similar effect as the face fuzz.
Do you have a beard? Know someone who does? Is this why you/they grow it?
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