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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

kadirdurmush Report

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John L
Community Member
7 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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#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
7 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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#9

I Shaved My 9 Month Old Beard For Prostate Cancer Awareness

I Shaved My 9 Month Old Beard For Prostate Cancer Awareness

unitedairforce1 Report

#10

Shave In Half

Shave In Half

nikokx Report

#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

barberha Report

#14

Harley Morenstein Before And After Shaving His Beard

Harley Morenstein Before And After Shaving His Beard

newmediarockstars.com Report

#15

Roy Asotasi Shaved His Beard To Raise Money

Roy Asotasi Shaved His Beard To Raise Money

rasotasi_ Report

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#19

Little Difference

Little Difference

joel.rocha_ Report

#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

#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

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#25

Transformation

Transformation

barberha.com Report

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John L
Community Member
7 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

walesonline.co.uk Report

#29

Hair-B-Gone

Hair-B-Gone

highndmighty Report

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Emre
Community Member
7 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

barberha.com Report

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Barbara Jones
Community Member
7 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

TheCorrosionKid Report

#35

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

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

Daffke Report

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John L
Community Member
7 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

zechar_the_wrecker Report

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#42

This Is My Brother After No Shave November

This Is My Brother After No Shave November

ladylucid Report

#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

Lucas Gobert Report

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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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#52

Shaving Mistake. I’m Growing My Beard Back And Will Wear It Proudly

Shaving Mistake. I’m Growing My Beard Back And Will Wear It Proudly

Justin Shaddix Report

#53

Difference In Face After 120 Lbs Lost And A Shave

Difference In Face After 120 Lbs Lost And A Shave

aro204 Report

#54

What A Difference A Beard Made On Me! What The Hell, I'll Grow It Back

What A Difference A Beard Made On Me! What The Hell, I'll Grow It Back

kotasean Report

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#62

Fun With Shaving... It's Off!

Fun With Shaving... It's Off!

darkeyedwhite Report

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sunnyrei82
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From drunk jokester at the bar, to "hello, I'm Matt, your personal gym trainer".

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#64

This Is About What Happened To Me When I Shaved. I've Grown It Back Since Though

This Is About What Happened To Me When I Shaved. I've Grown It Back Since Though

Kornichon Report

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

aww, no! keep shaving, why hide that handsome face under all that hair?

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#65

Before & After

Before & After

ggandgrowing Report

#66

Half Man, Half Beard

Half Man, Half Beard

alex.leonard.ie Report

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Petra Rola Cole
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think a short beard and kinda long hair would be the perfect combination for you. You're handsome anyway.

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#68

Here Is A Very Rare, Once A Year Glimpse Of What's Known As... My Face

Here Is A Very Rare, Once A Year Glimpse Of What's Known As... My Face

dhonikal Report

#70

Had Some Fun Today

Had Some Fun Today

mysugarfreeyear Report

#71

Before And After. The Playoff Beard Is Gone And So Are Years From My Face. Until Next Season

Before And After. The Playoff Beard Is Gone And So Are Years From My Face. Until Next Season

El_Murpho Report

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#73

Start The Summer Off With A Fresh Shave

Start The Summer Off With A Fresh Shave

xexhair Report

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Petra Rola Cole
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With the beard he looked like a Viking warrior, without it looks like one of Santa's elves.

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#75

When You Do Something And Instantly Regret It

When You Do Something And Instantly Regret It

lellis_7 Report

#78

After 6 Months I Had Enough ... Grew It Back Though ;)

After 6 Months I Had Enough ... Grew It Back Though ;)

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#79

Now I Can Smile Again

Now I Can Smile Again

mickypalomeque Report

#80

So I Shaved My Beard After Growing It For 4 Months

So I Shaved My Beard After Growing It For 4 Months

AquilHK Report

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#81

A New Day Has Dawned My Friends

A New Day Has Dawned My Friends

calebbrock Report

#82

Before And After I Shave

Before And After I Shave

btelliot Report

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Trude Donnelly
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooo beautiful eyes. :D Looking good either way. I like em hairy... I like em bald. Or any in-between. Geez I sound like a hussy hahaha

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#83

That Moment Shortly After A 'Trim' Where You Realise You Looked Better With The Beard

That Moment Shortly After A 'Trim' Where You Realise You Looked Better With The Beard

rockdocfox Report

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#90

Before And After. Goodbye Beard, You Were A Good Friend

Before And After. Goodbye Beard, You Were A Good Friend

dylansexy Report

#91

Lumberjack To Baby Face

Lumberjack To Baby Face

RichardKenyan Report

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Esmeralda Ureta
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He actually looks better with a beard to be honest, but he looks good either way

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#93

Had A Fun Shaving 5 Months Of Bearding

Had A Fun Shaving 5 Months Of Bearding

moonshineninja Report

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

Now that was a nice beard and very well kept. It's a coin toss, but he tapers it in such a flattering way it subtracts a few pounds. Lucky Guy!

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#95

After 100 Days I Finally Had A Shave. RIP Beard

After 100 Days I Finally Had A Shave. RIP Beard

josh.drane Report

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#100

Two Faces

Two Faces

David Kramer Report

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Lakia Hawkins
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very handsome, nice eyes. I say leave hair on head very low cut beard and that would be awesome!

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#105

Annual Beard Removal

Annual Beard Removal

robpooke Report

#106

Winter Look Vs Summer Look. Btw, I´m 44...

Winter Look Vs Summer Look. Btw, I´m 44...

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#107

Before After 4 Years With A Beard, Feel Strange Without It

Before After 4 Years With A Beard, Feel Strange Without It

Chris__Carter Report

#111

Well, Now That No Shave November Is Over

Well, Now That No Shave November Is Over

Ramaaaa Report

#112

Job Interview Of A Lifetime! So Time To Shave

Job Interview Of A Lifetime! So Time To Shave

Jallenallen Report

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#113

Before And After Shaving

Before And After Shaving

Vijaya Kumar Report

#114

Boyfriend Shaved His Year Long Beard For Thanksgiving (Beardsgiving)

Boyfriend Shaved His Year Long Beard For Thanksgiving (Beardsgiving)

snowblind Report

#116

So, I Decided To Shave After 12 Years Of Beard/facial

So, I Decided To Shave After 12 Years Of Beard/facial

joetheafroman Report

#118

Kido Is Back

Kido Is Back

neerav_k_hetawal Report

#120

Asked My Boyfriend To Shave His Beard. Big Mistake. Now He Has A Mustache

Asked My Boyfriend To Shave His Beard. Big Mistake. Now He Has A Mustache

thewaythetreesare Report

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#121

I Just Finally Shaved Off My Movember Beard. I Immediately Regret This Decision

I Just Finally Shaved Off My Movember Beard. I Immediately Regret This Decision

coolhandlucas Report

#125

Had A Little Fun With My Beard Before I Shaved It

Had A Little Fun With My Beard Before I Shaved It

thedownfall Report

#127

Well I Have Completely Lost My Intimidation Factor

Well I Have Completely Lost My Intimidation Factor

thisisthebeard.blogspot.lt Report

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#131

Before And After

Before And After

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

He did it as a promise to our youth group. If they raised $2500 for missions, they could shave him completely. They raised $3300!!!

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#136

I Had To Shave For A Job Interview. RIP Beard

I Had To Shave For A Job Interview. RIP Beard

CrowbarSteve Report

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#139

Finally Had To Let Go Of My Beard Baby

Finally Had To Let Go Of My Beard Baby

Sparkscrashing1 Report

#140

My Before & After Shaving

My Before & After Shaving

ArmonSalamati Report

#142

30 Years Since I Last Shaved, And It Aint Going Anywhere! A Beard Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas!

30 Years Since I Last Shaved, And It Aint Going Anywhere! A Beard Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas!

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#144

So Many Different Looks

So Many Different Looks

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Lakia Hawkins
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

all 3 pics are great can't choose out of the 1st & 2nd pics but 2nd pic looks younger

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#145

I Recently Shaved My 16 Month Old Beard. I Now Look Like I'm 12

I Recently Shaved My 16 Month Old Beard. I Now Look Like I'm 12

RhettWilliam Report

#146

Before And After Shaving

Before And After Shaving

The5thRobin Report

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Jocelyn Kennedy
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't take you seriously in the pink floral bathroom. LOL. Kidding - I think better with a beard, just kept shorter. Nice features.

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#149

There Is No Better Way To Loose Some Years (at Least For Me)

There Is No Better Way To Loose Some Years (at Least For Me)

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#150

Winter Look With Natural Gray Hair, Summer Look With Painted Black (the Original) Hair

Winter Look With Natural Gray Hair, Summer Look With Painted Black (the Original) Hair

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CelSlade
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grey with beard = distinguished. Dark and clean = hot as hell!

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#151

..;(

..;(

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

Better without : your green eyes draw all the attention :)

#152

The Beard Is Gone But Will Surely Return. Just A Matter Of Time

The Beard Is Gone But Will Surely Return. Just A Matter Of Time

jasonmyrt Report

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#153

This Is The Story Of My Adult Life. I Have Made A Huge Mistake

This Is The Story Of My Adult Life. I Have Made A Huge Mistake

wilsonx81 Report

#155

Before & After Of My 7 Month Beard Growth

Before & After Of My 7 Month Beard Growth

MidnightCircuit Report

#157

Me With About 6 Months Of Growth Vs Freshly Shaven

Me With About 6 Months Of Growth Vs Freshly Shaven

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#158

Grew My Beard For 15 Months, Then Shaved It All Off For Movember!

Grew My Beard For 15 Months, Then Shaved It All Off For Movember!

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#159

6 Month Beard Before Sending Visa Application

6 Month Beard Before Sending Visa Application

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#162

Shaved My Beard Off

Shaved My Beard Off

turtle513 Report

#164

I Grew My Beard For 9 Months

I Grew My Beard For 9 Months

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#167

Half An Hour And A Change Of Clothes

Half An Hour And A Change Of Clothes

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#168

Say Hello To Steve Wilkos...lol

Say Hello To Steve Wilkos...lol

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#170

3 Steps Of Social Integration With A Razor

3 Steps Of Social Integration With A Razor

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#172

Decisions Were Made.

Decisions Were Made.

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#173

I Grew My Beard For 9 Months

I Grew My Beard For 9 Months

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#176

Gbs

Gbs

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#177

Trimmed My Beard And Cut Off 8 Inches Of Hair.

Trimmed My Beard And Cut Off 8 Inches Of Hair.

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#178

3 Month Of Facial Hair

3 Month Of Facial Hair

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#180

Fff

Fff

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#181

For The First Time In 10 Months

For The First Time In 10 Months

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#182

After/before

After/before

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Wyndmere
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't grow all of that mess back. Just a short beard and a nice hair cut.

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#183

The Sad Face And Smile Are In The Wrong Picture

The Sad Face And Smile Are In The Wrong Picture

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#186

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