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Growing out a beard can dramatically change a man's look, but shaving one off can be even more of a shock, revealing the dreaded post-shave baby face. Some say that the right choice of beard styles make men's faces look stronger and more masculine, while others argue that it all comes down to bone structure. We're definitely not evolutionary scientists here at Bored Panda, but we've compiled some photos of guys before and after grabbing the razor, and we'd like to know which one you'd rather ride off into the sunset with.

Beards certainly have their place in this world, and they do a lot more than just aiding in human mating rituals. Bearded men, especially with thick facial hair, can boast about having a healthy balance of bacteria in their stubbles that are actually good in keeping skin healthy, according to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. Male hospital workers in the US who were in the habit of shaving beards had higher amounts of harmful bacteria present on their faces than their bearded counterparts, possibly due to the damage skin often sustains after a shave. The youthful glow of a smooth look is worth a few nicks, though, and shaving has also been proven to scrape away dead skin cells.

It's hard to say whether having a beard is healthier or not, but it's undeniable that men with beards are either a hit or miss in aesthetics. Check out a whole list of before-and-after shaving comparisons below, and just try to believe that it's the same person in each photo.

#1

Before And After Beard

Before And After Beard

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Friedlander Rosenzweig
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This gentleman is very lucky- he looks great both ways. Nice to be able to do something different now and then.

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Connie Martin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Without the beard he looks very much like Ralph Fiennes. Which is a good thing.

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Peter Jacobs
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The beard needs trimming and the shaved photo is airbrushed. Jury's out.

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Merilyn Horton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looked like he had a substance abuse problem, now he looks like a school teacher.

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Sharon Moore
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before he looks like a scary homeless guy. Without the beard, can see his eyes are gorgeous and he looks like a successful intense handsome guy.

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Tonia Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thank this great man Lord Zakuza for he has brought me back to life after he helped me to recover my lost partner of 3 years and now we are both in love that will never come to an end. Join me to say thank you to Lord Zakuza and you can also need his help as well if necessary. Here's his contact info. WhatsApp: +1 740 573 9483, Email: lordzakuza7 @ gmail. com, Website: lordzakuzaspells.com

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Jay Ishere
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right hand photo just overly photoshopped to look smooth and blemish free

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Pamela Blue
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now this I prefer #2. The first one reminds of a brillo pad. LOL!

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Josh Weaver
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks great in both pictures thanks to his eyes but the "after" pic has some heavy photo shopping and/or makeup to deal with those under eye shadows and his much darker eyebrows.

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Rebecca Weeks
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The beard just needs a trim, the lighting is shite in the first pic

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Bonnie Barney
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The beard is horrible and ugly. He is such an attractive guy without it

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Mae
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks exactly the same, just missing the beard on the second one.. I wonder if this one got the most points just cause he's a good looking fella hmm

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Lori Tilton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he would trim up the before pic so that his beard is neater then before.

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EvieNiffler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't help that the lighting is completely different for each pic.

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Bert Kranenburg
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

he's gorgeous without !!he has a perfect symmetric face.. doe something with it .. use it to your advance and have some professional pics taken !

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Dee Jeffrey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe if he combed his beard it wouldn't be so bad. But I like him without the santa beard.

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Allana Rose
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a no brainer for me,,,he is so HOT in the right pic.

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Janine Wilson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would love to know how or if people are treating him differently -

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Shawna Kinman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

perhaps if the beard wasn't so scraggly looking and it appears he is slightly jaundiced :)

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Melinda Barbour
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely keep your new look. It really brings out your beautiful eyes

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Miriam Hirsch
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reall, get rid of all of the beard. You are much more attractive without it.

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Renee Gilbert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Better without the beard. He has beautiful eyes. The beard distracts from that.

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Blind Oracle
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And he filled his eyebrows in, and had softer lighting ... I don't know if he has makeup on in the second pic or just airbrushed the circles under his eyes.

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Lucybaby
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's much more attractive without all that facial hair! And that jaw line ohhh my!

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Bridget Smith
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you have a stunning face without the beard. I'd love to see what you look like with a well-groomed beard. I think that would look really attractive yet still professional. The first picture is borderline homeless style, which is why I'm not a fan

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Rhon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The quality difference of the two photos makes it very hard to judge.

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#2

Kyle Amor Shaved His Head And Face To Raise Money

Kyle Amor Shaved His Head And Face To Raise Money

kylejamor87 , kylejamor87 Report

#3

After 3 Years Of The Beard Life My Buddy Matt Shaved His Beard

After 3 Years Of The Beard Life My Buddy Matt Shaved His Beard

TaborScott Report

#5

I Decided To Shave My Beard And In Doing So, I Unlocked Instant Baby Face

I Decided To Shave My Beard And In Doing So, I Unlocked Instant Baby Face

SockemRockem Report

#7

Shave My Beard The Wife Said. You Will Look Young Again She Said

Shave My Beard The Wife Said. You Will Look Young Again She Said

emallumlum Report

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L and P
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

uhm, yeah, somehow you really do - says a dude who has massive troubles with growing a decent beard...

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#8

This Transformation

This Transformation

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#9

I Shaved My 9 Month Old Beard For Prostate Cancer Awareness

I Shaved My 9 Month Old Beard For Prostate Cancer Awareness

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#10

Shave In Half

Shave In Half

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#11

8 Months Sober, Down 17kg (38ibs) And Finally Shaved Off My Neck Beard

8 Months Sober, Down 17kg (38ibs) And Finally Shaved Off My Neck Beard

JohnDeCaux Report

#13

Mike Donated His Hair And Luckily Has A Pretty Good Mug Underneath All That Scruff

Mike Donated His Hair And Luckily Has A Pretty Good Mug Underneath All That Scruff

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#14

Harley Morenstein Before And After Shaving His Beard

Harley Morenstein Before And After Shaving His Beard

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#15

Roy Asotasi Shaved His Beard To Raise Money

Roy Asotasi Shaved His Beard To Raise Money

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#18

Before And After Shave

Before And After Shave

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#19

Little Difference

Little Difference

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#20

Bye Bye To My First Beard, Lol Feel So Naked

Bye Bye To My First Beard, Lol Feel So Naked

bobby_nv_yyc Report

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#21

Daughter's Reaction To Dad's Clean Shaved Face. She Does Not Approve

Daughter's Reaction To Dad's Clean Shaved Face. She Does Not Approve

Larry Menezes Report

#23

Decided To Donate 10" Of My Hair To Locks Of Love. Shaved The Beard While I Was At It

Decided To Donate 10" Of My Hair To Locks Of Love. Shaved The Beard While I Was At It

pizzaboy314 Report

#24

Shaving My Chance To Be In Star Wars VII Off My Face

Shaving My Chance To Be In Star Wars VII Off My Face

misterob Report

#25

Transformation

Transformation

barberha.com Report

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He looks great either way, because of his happy eyes and relaxed nature. I'm not a 'beard person' but his beard is almost perfect on him. Looks like a friendly college professor. He's a winner.

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#26

I Used To Get A Lot Of Attention - From Men

I Used To Get A Lot Of Attention - From Men

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#29

Hair-B-Gone

Hair-B-Gone

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Emre
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i recommend you long hair and short beard. You would look awesome bro

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#31

No More Beard

No More Beard

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Barbara Jones
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Handsome either way, but better without the beard. What a great jawline!

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#34

Shaved My Beard, Feeling Incredibly Naked, Self Conscious And Full Of Regret

Shaved My Beard, Feeling Incredibly Naked, Self Conscious And Full Of Regret

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#35

Shouldn't Have Done That... I Should Not Have Done That

Shouldn't Have Done That... I Should Not Have Done That

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John L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A genuine happy face would solve all your problems, with or without the beard.

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#39

A Friend Of Mine Shaved His Year-Long Beard And Recorded "The Process"

A Friend Of Mine Shaved His Year-Long Beard And Recorded "The Process"

HackNorton Report

#40

Thought My C Pap Mask Would Fit Better If I Shaved But It Still.. Just As Bad

Thought My C Pap Mask Would Fit Better If I Shaved But It Still.. Just As Bad

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#42

This Is My Brother After No Shave November

This Is My Brother After No Shave November

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#44

It Was Time For The Beard To Go, Compulsory Before And After Shot, And Shameless Selfie. Till Next Time

It Was Time For The Beard To Go, Compulsory Before And After Shot, And Shameless Selfie. Till Next Time

WalkerHebborn Report

#45

At The Request Of My Wife, Daughter, And General Comments Of Me "Looking My Age," I Took Part In Transformation Tuesday

At The Request Of My Wife, Daughter, And General Comments Of Me "Looking My Age," I Took Part In Transformation Tuesday

themikehatton Report

#47

My Wife Calls Herself A “Beard-Widow.” I Guess I’m Not The Only One Missing My Beardy Face

My Wife Calls Herself A “Beard-Widow.” I Guess I’m Not The Only One Missing My Beardy Face

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#49

This Is My Plight Every Year For Movember... Yes, Thats A Soul Patch.

This Is My Plight Every Year For Movember... Yes, Thats A Soul Patch.

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#50

It Was Time To Change

It Was Time To Change

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Note: this post originally had 186 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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