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

You have a very neat and orderly face. The beard destroys that neat look.

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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

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#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

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#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

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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

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#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

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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

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#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

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

Did you know that Locks of Love CHARGES the cancer patients for the hair?! There are better organizations you can donate too that will NOT charge the patient.

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

What a great cause! Im sure you made someone very happy with your hair ❤️

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

He looks like Jesus from Walking Dead with the beard. Preferred the beard.

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

This one's not entirely fair. The "after" looks like it was taken after a weekend bender.

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Lauriane
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such gorgeous hair! Could never have mine this smooth 🤩

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

I think he is much better lokking with the beard. And even though I would like amuch shorter haircut, of these two looks, I like the longer look.

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Jordi El Greco
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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

Oh no.....i am not a fan of beards but this guy looked fantastic with it. Now...just a common face.

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

Awful organization. They charge a few hundred dollars per wig to patients who are already under financial stress.

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

Next time donate to "Children With Hair Loss". They don't charge the recipients of the wigs.

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

You look more like an adult with the beard- handsome/cute either way. (you look like you're in shock ! Haha!)

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

#23...we could be brother and sister...same eyes, eyebrows, hair...expression...now I know how I could look with a beard...

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

Never donate to locks of love!! They make the families PAY for the wigs they make! Even the kids have to pay! There are orgs that accept hair, and never make kids pay!!

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

Should have kept the beard!! Awesome that you donated!!

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

grow it back my friend.. looks much more rugged and good on you...

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

First one i like better with the beard!!! I think his hair would look better shorter or kept long-- the inbetween length isnt the best.

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#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

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#25

Transformation

Transformation

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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"

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#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

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#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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