What's with the dirty face look? [Archive]

Rogar

2-2-12, 9:00am

I have always been clean shaven and can vaguely appreciate well groomed beards, but do not get the dirty face look of what looks like four or or five days of unshaven stubble. At first I thought this was just a passing fad, but I still see this, mostly on TV personalities like movie and sports stars. Locally, it's probably not so common but still see it around.

Do women find this attractive or is it more a slovenly look? Any of you guys tried the dirty face look? Is it just a fad?

Alan

2-2-12, 9:08am

I can't speak for others, but I'm not a fan of daily shaving.

Also, after spending the vast majority of my adult life either in the military where fastidious grooming was demanded, or in the corporate world where it was expected, I find it liberating to do as I please rather than as others expect.

Disclaimer: I don't find the look to be "dirty", I'd simply consider it casual.

Edited to add example of "casual", not "dirty" me:

http://lefttoright.net/images/alan.jpg

Gregg

2-2-12, 9:49am

I personally find it necessary to make a clear distinction between hygiene and grooming. Daily cleansing is a requirement for me, but when it comes to grooming I pretty much echo Alan's thoughts on the matter. Sitting here right now in my (very attractive) workout pants and a T-shirt with a couple days worth of stubble. I will shave today and usually do 2 or 3 times a week, depending on what DW has planned for me. My beard is fairly full, but not dark so does not stand out the 1st or 2nd day after shaving. Since almost all of my work is done by computer and phone I do not run into the corporate expectation of always being clean shaven. (People have told me I sound "bristly", but I don't think that had anything to do with shaving.) Most importantly, DW said she couldn't care less on a daily basis as long as I shave before taking her out to nice dinners. I will do that for her. A happy wife is a happy life.

Mrs-M

2-2-12, 9:57am

I don't find it attractive. My husband is a daily shaver. (So manly and handsome). It looks clean, fresh, and reflects good hygiene). This topic reminds me of the new Hawaii Five-O series (which I can't stand, loved the old), anyhow, seeing Danno (Scott Caan) with his unshaven face makes me think, "nice, have you also gone 4-5 days without a shower too, to go along with that stubble".

JaneV2.0

2-2-12, 10:44am

I'm fine with it, but I'm a big fan of facial hair in general. On men.

Float On

2-2-12, 11:02am

I call it the 'scruffy look' not a 'dirty look'. I'm happy with my husband looking 'scruffy'.
His dad was a Dr and did a daily shave and a tie.
He (DH) rebelled and became a 'scruffy artist' who doesn't even own a tie.
Our sons are rebelling and have quite the tie collections and enjoy suit jackets along with shaving as often as they can.

Rogar

2-2-12, 11:11am

I was watching our local hero, Tim Tebow, on TV today. His "scruffy look" actually looks like it is groomed routinely so that it is a constant 3-4 day shadow.

Gregg

2-2-12, 12:09pm

I was watching our local hero, Tim Tebow, on TV today. His "scruffy look" actually looks like it is groomed routinely so that it is a constant 3-4 day shadow.

There are several shavers (trimmers actually) on the market that help maintain the shadow.

Kathy WI

2-2-12, 12:13pm

I like the scruffy shadow, it looks kinda macho to me. If I was a guy, I know for sure I wouldn't shave very often. Clean shaven baby face on a guy is not my bag at all.

CathyA

2-2-12, 12:28pm

I was wondering how they kept it at that length......so I guess you use a trimmer set at a higher setting?
I would hate to feel like I had to shave everyday.
How often does a guy have to use the trimmer?

bae

2-2-12, 12:44pm

I don't get it either, I shave every day...

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OXk0koBJq7k/TkGqeq7kfwI/AAAAAAAADTg/0SnrXISJapk/s640/IMG_2326.JPG

Float On

2-2-12, 1:17pm

I much prefer Alan's example as compared to bae's. Seems to be a fad among young 20-somethings to grow those "full, fuzzy, stick out everywhere, I don't give a darn if I've got crumbs in my beard" type beards. I like the well-trimmed 'scruffy' not the poke out everywhere 'scruffy'.

Spartana

2-2-12, 1:26pm

I like the scruffy shadow, it looks kinda macho to me. If I was a guy, I know for sure I wouldn't shave very often. Clean shaven baby face on a guy is not my bag at all.

I also like the "scruffy look" and find it sexy and manly on men (not so sexy on women ;-)!). Sort of the equivilant of that wild toused "bed head" hair men seem to like on women just upon waking. I also like the casual aspect of it. Makes the guy seem less formal and stiff, like he takes himself less serious, is more fun, more youthful. A guy who could care less about what other's think of him. I like that kind of attitude in men (and in women as well). Plus I've got a thing for "bad boys" so that look also looks sort of mischevious and a bit dark too. And, I like to see changes in looks on men too (and they have few options compared to women) so just like a woman who doesn't wear make-up most days (me) qnd then wears it when she gets dolled up looks different and special, a guy who's scruffy alot and then shaves (and smells of great aftershave) for a special occasion is a nice change that is equally sexy! But will add that I'm NOT a fan of full beards (like Bae's example). Close shaven beards and goatees are OK though. The first guy I ever saw with a "scruffy face" was Don Johnson on Miami Vice - and I was smitten!!

Mrs-M

2-2-12, 1:46pm

Alan. You're a good-looking man with handsome features, and although the look suits you well, shaving, would make you look 20 years younger.

Oh my goodness, Bae!

Spartana

2-2-12, 1:59pm

Alan. You're a good-looking man with handsome features, and although the look suits you well, shaving, would make you look 20 years younger.

Oh my goodness, Bae!

Yeah - Alan could be the (slightly older ;-)!) version of my photo of a Don Johnson! But I like the scruffy look on him myself. Makes him look rakish!

Alan

2-2-12, 2:08pm

Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm normally shaved since my wife seems to prefer it for some reason. But given the opportunity, my inner Don Williams overcomes me.
"'Cause you know I'm a rake and a ramblin' man free as an eagle in flight..."

loosechickens

2-2-12, 2:24pm

I don't really care one way or the other....my sweetie has had a moustache and goatee the whole time I've known him. Once, early in our relationship, he shaved it off, and he just didn't look like himself, and grew it back quickly. He keeps it neatly trimmed and always looks well groomed.

Although I have to say, the old, homeless guy full beard look is less than flattering, bae. I'm sure there's a handsome man hidden under all that thatch, but if that pic is really YOU, better carry ID showing that you're a multi-millionaire, because you look almost exactly like an old homeless guy we give money to regularly. ;-)

I can understand guys not wanting to shave....heck, I wouldn't want to, either....although that "scruffy" look is very hard to maintain, and much harder than shaving to achieve, but it does seem to make men look older. Maybe some of the younger ones WANT to look older and presumably more prosperous and attractive to women, but by middle-age, the aging it causes, not so much.

But, hey, whatever floats your boat has always been my philosophy. I wouldn't color my hair, but plenty of women and even men do. Most what I want is something easy to maintain, so all those quite fashionable "looks" usually don't fit that criteria.

Spartana

2-2-12, 2:28pm

but if that pic is really YOU, better carry ID showing that you're a multi-millionaire, because you look almost exactly like an old homeless guy we give money to regularly. ;-)

How do you think Bae became a multi-millionaire ;-)! I don't think its a pic of him because he said he shaved everyday. Maybe it's a photo of his inner free-spirited demon wanting to be released from the bounds of unholy matrimony to a razor!

redfox

2-2-12, 2:35pm

My DH is Norwegian in heritage, of the barely any facial hair type. He has a cute goatee & mustache, and that's about it. He can get away with shaving the rest once a week. His razors last forever!

I don't shave the typical places women in this society are supposed to. To me it is an attempt to make us look pre-pubescent, which I find disgusting. I am an adult woman, not a girl, and consequently, I have hair as all adult humans do. I don't eyebrow pluck, wear make-up, or dress in revealing or provocative clothing, either.

Clean, yes. Distorted, no.

Float On

2-2-12, 2:40pm

I don't really care one way or the other....my sweetie has had a moustache and goatee the whole time I've known him. Once, early in our relationship, he shaved it off, and he just didn't look like himself, and grew it back quickly.

Made me laugh!
Reminded me of something. My DH always had a moustache when we dated and married. About 2 years into our 'wedded bliss' he got up early one morning and shaved off the moustache and then got back in bed and leaned over and kissed me. Scared me so badly I screamed and hit him. He grew it back as fast as he could!

Mrs-M

2-2-12, 2:52pm

I agree, Spartana.

Originally posted by Alan.
I'm normally shaved since my wife seems to prefer it for some reason.If your wife thinks along the same lines as I do, her answer will be, she prefers you clean shaven for the freshness and manliness factor. My opinion of a clean-shaven man, trumps everything!

mira

2-2-12, 3:14pm

I LOVE the few-days-of-not-shaving look. Big beards are a no-go though.

ApatheticNoMore

2-2-12, 3:57pm

I LOVE the few-days-of-not-shaving look. Big beards are a no-go though

+1, clean shaven is ok too, but stubbly can be hot, not a fan of full beards though.

You know there are men who tend toward fast growing hair and probably find the stubbly trend a great relief, as in not having to shave more than once a day.

peggy

2-2-12, 4:01pm

Both my husband and son wear facial hair. I love it. The husband has a neatly trimmed close beard...so handsome! My son changes his look to fit his mood/job, so I'm not really sure how he'll look whenever I see him. But he generally wears a beard, mustache when it's his choice. Again, very handsome! Can you tell I like facial hair? (on men!)

bae

2-2-12, 4:04pm

For a certain type/era of computer nerd, the full ZZ-Top beard conveyed silverback/alpha gorilla status, and was nearly a job requirement:

http://www.miketaylor.org.uk/tech/eta/doc/dilbert.gif

daisy

2-2-12, 4:24pm

bae, my DH is one of those Unix geeks, but he was in the pony-tail and flip-flop generation that followed the ZZ Top beard generation. He's got the condescending part down, though, when it comes to operating systems.

Spartana

2-2-12, 4:37pm

For a certain type/era of computer nerd, the full ZZ-Top beard conveyed silverback/alpha gorilla status, and was nearly a job requirement:

Back in the day of iron men and wooden ships having a full beard was almost a requirement for the salty old sea dogs. Before they banned them in the CG, most of the older guys had them. For some reason they looked very hot and manly on those salty old sea dogs ;-)! Less so on the young hippie-ish guys

Alan

2-2-12, 6:29pm

........although the look suits you well, shaving, would make you look 20 years younger......

I can't seem to win, if being clean shaven makes me look younger, my recently added bifocals put it right back.

http://lefttoright.net/images/Hocking Hills.jpg

Kestra

2-2-12, 6:31pm

I hate when my husband shaves. It's so prickly so quickly and the pain (for me) lasts for days. Luckily he's almost always bearded - similar to Alan's. He's a pretty hairy guy, so maybe it makes his facial hair coarser - I've no idea. Unless the guy had really soft or minimal facial hair, I'll take a beard.

Stella

2-2-12, 6:54pm

For a certain type/era of computer nerd, the full ZZ-Top beard conveyed silverback/alpha gorilla status, and was nearly a job requirement:

http://www.miketaylor.org.uk/tech/eta/doc/dilbert.gif

OMG that guy looks exactly like a professor I had when I was a computer science major in college. Exactly. It's like they took a photo of him and turned it into a cartoon. He was a big UNIX fan too.

Greg44

2-2-12, 6:57pm

I HATE shaving every day -- such a waste of good shower time! BUT --- I hate the stubble feel even more. And with a now more white than reddish blonde stubble, it makes me look even older. So everyday I shave with a blade -- smooth as a baby's butt my dw says.

It is just part of the daily must take a shower routine...!

goldensmom

2-2-12, 6:58pm

Whatever you call it, I don't mind what I call a 'scruffy' look on other men but I don't like how it looks on my husband or feels on me. Whisker burns hurt. Lucky for me, a clean shaven face is a requirement of my husbands employment.

Simplygib

2-2-12, 7:39pm

For a certain type/era of computer nerd, the full ZZ-Top beard conveyed silverback/alpha gorilla status, and was nearly a job requirement:

http://www.miketaylor.org.uk/tech/eta/doc/dilbert.gif

Wow. This guy must make the rounds. He also looks exactly like one of the users I supported (former technical support guy). Like most places we had Windows almost everywhere, and this guy was a big Apple/Mac fan, forever extolling the virtues of OSx, forever deriding the various flavors of Windows. Never let me hear the end of it. My answer to him was always the same, "go tell someone who cares!"

Mrs-M

2-2-12, 9:12pm

Oh, wow, Alan, awesome picture!!! You and your wife make such a great couple. About your glasses, not at all, in fact, they make you look sophisticated and classy.

iris lily

2-2-12, 9:46pm

I really laughed when I saw that ZZ top guy. Yup, I went to grad school with that Unix guy, back in the day.

The last couple of times we've bgeen ready to go someplace on Sunday evening, DH stops to say "I guess I should shave" and I say "Nooooooo!Don't do that!" I like the stuble. He has stopped growing a beard in the winter and I miss that as well. It used to be his winter face warmer.

Kestrel

2-2-12, 9:50pm

I like both -- it depends on the guy. Some faces look better with some facial hair, and others don't.

DH has had a mustache so long I've forgotten when he didn't have one. (We've been together almost 50 years now [in Oct] and I don't remember a lot.) I think he'd look 15 without it. He had longish hair and a full beard at one time, too. But he had very curly reddish hair then, which made it interesting since I've cut his hair all these many years. But he's follically-challenged at this stage in life, and his eyebrow hairs and ear hairs can get crazy, and I'm not fond of that ... :-P

Kathy WI

2-2-12, 11:29pm

That computer guy with the suspenders is totally my brother, except my brother isn't bald, he has long graying hair.

Selah

2-3-12, 2:55am

This thread is so funny! DH doesn't enjoy shaving, so he lets it go for a few days at a time if he doesn't have to go anywhere "fancy." I always say " Elul, you have Clooney!", as in the sexy stubble look George Clooney usually seems to sport. (Elul is DH's Hebrew name.) To which he replies, "no, George Clooney has Elul!"

lizii

2-3-12, 5:34am

I don't like beards, but love the look of a full mustache...to me it typifies a strong minded man who is sure of his manhood.

crunchycon

2-3-12, 6:33am

I don't like the look of scruff that really shouldn't be there - for example, the guy at a black-tie event with a 3-day stubble (for pity's sake, shave, man! You can grow it back!). A guy who's been off camping for a week -- that's a different matter. Full disclosure - my dad was clean shaven every day of his life unless he was ill, which wasn't often. DH is usually clean-shaven, but occasionally (like now) rocks a neatly trimmed goatee. I have spent my life around the well-groomed (but not metrosexual) male, and I like it.

Now -- Hollywood actresses that show up for interviews with artfully dirty hair and glasses to show how intellectual they are -- that's another story for another thread>:(

Mrs-M

2-3-12, 8:38am

Ah, yes... the intellectual type.......... Gag me with a spoon!

iris lily

2-3-12, 9:12am

That computer guy with the suspenders is totally my brother, except my brother isn't bald, he has long graying hair.

I think the bald thing was important to the look. Honestly my ZZ top guy looked EXACTLY like the cartoon although he was taller. He was a giant person, at least 6'2" and chubby and suspenders and the whole bit.

Fawn

2-3-12, 7:33pm

I like the "dirty face" look well enough, but I do not like how it feels.

In fact, I like watching my boyfriend shave, it can be erotic. First he lathers up his face with some old-fashioned-soap-in-a-cup stuff and then slowly, methodically removes it with a single edged blade. Sometimes, he will catch me watching and give me a look that says, "Just for you, my love. Nothing will interfere with your ple......" Uhum. Cough.

It seems kind of warm in here.....

AnneM

2-4-12, 6:24pm

I think a man with a few days of beard growth looks really sexy. bae, my goodness! is that really you?

Alan

2-21-12, 4:00pm

Something I've always suspected but could never prove: Men with facial hair are 38% better looking. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/02/20/mustached-americans-seek-tax-break-for-grooming-products/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fpolitics+%28Interna l+-+Politics+-+Text%29

bae

2-21-12, 4:05pm

I think a man with a few days of beard growth looks really sexy. bae, my goodness! is that really you?

I have to be ready to tour at a moment's notice.

http://www.lasplash.com/uploads//4/zz_top-3.jpg

peggy

2-21-12, 4:25pm

I have to be ready to tour at a moment's notice.

http://www.lasplash.com/uploads//4/zz_top-3.jpg

Yea, or sell cough medicine...

JaneV2.0

2-21-12, 4:56pm

Ah, yes... the intellectual type.......... Gag me with a spoon!

Hahaha! I'll take even a faux intellectual over precious and vapid any day. But maybe that's just my new horn-rimmed glasses speaking. http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/artists/big/Connie_cleaning-glasses.gif