The world's favorite kind of facial hair

SALT LAKE CITY — Facial hair has always been a sign of manliness and has separated the men from the boys. For years it was thought that women found clean-shaven men more attractive, but a recent study says that's no longer the case.

We wanted to take a closer look at this study in honor of Movember. The month dedicated to all things manly and facial hair related. If you can't grow your own facial hair don't worry, we've got you covered. Hit the link to get the app that will change your life — well, at least your facial hair status.

In the May issue of the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, a study was conducted to see if women liked a boy with skin as smooth as a baby, or if she preferred a MAN with a beard that would hoist its own flag and claim itself a sovereign state.

#poll

Truth is, she prefers neither.

According to the study, "heavy stubble" is the facial hair of choice. Which is great, because if you take a gander at my profile pic, guess who's sporting some heavy stubble? That's right, this guy.

Researchers in the study photographed 10 men during four stages of facial-hair growth. Clean-shaven, five-day light stubble, 10-day heavy stubble, and full beard. The study included 351 women and 177 heterosexual men who viewed the photos and rated each face on attractiveness, masculinity, health and parenting ability.

While heavy stubble was the winner, clean-shaven and full beard tied for second, with light stubble bringing up the rear.

Movember

What is Movember?
Movember is a month dedicated to showing your manliness. This is done by growing out the facial hair we have al been blessed with and doing the most manly thing of all, going to the doctor. Men are at high risk for all kinds of cancers, especially prostate cancer, and this month is all about showcasing your face furniture and spreading men's health awareness.

While we work on our manly yet parenting-friendly 10-day stubbles, it would be nice to get a broader range of what facial hair is most attractive.

Below we have a few examples of great facial hair through history that we'd like to get another vote on.

The Melodrama Villain Mustache

When I think of a melodrama villain moustache, two things immediately come to mind. One: Snidely Whiplash from "Dudley Do-Right" and Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers.

This kind of a moustache takes a lot of work, and I'd like to see if a woman appreciates a man who takes their whiskers so seriously.

The Thinking Man's Moustache

Many great minds have worn the push broom-style moustache with pride, which makes us wonder, do women associate these with intelligence?

When these 'staches are the trademark of the likes of Mark Twain, Albert Einstein and Friedrich Nietzsche, it's possible this kind of facial hair has some brain cells attached to them.

The Beard to Rule All Beards

When you have so much confidence that you're willing to grow your beard longer than your actual hair, it's got to count for something.

Sure, when you see ZZ Top and Grizzly Adams you might think to yourself, "This guy hasn't showered in days."

What you should be thinking is, "I wonder if that guy tamed a bear during his lunch break yesterday and rode it to work this morning."

The "I Wish I Could Grow That Moustache" Moustache

While many of us can grow the 10-day stubble or even the full beard, there are only a select few that can truly pull off a well-groomed and full moustache.

With this particular facial hair you either immediately compete for World's Sexiest Man or you get on the 24-hour surveillance list of your Neighborhood Watch. It's a slippery slope.

So, unless your name is Tom Selleck, Ron Swanson or Keith McCord, I'd stay away from this tricky facial hair.

What's your favorite type of facial hair? Or is it better to be clean-shaven? Let us know your thoughts on the comment boards, Facebook or send an email.