Facial Hair Equates Deceptive Body Fat Results

Photo by Chance Agrella
I just read an interesting study published in May 2001 regarding the effect of air displacement in scalp and facial hair on body fat estimations. According to the results, that hair on your head and on your face can make your body fat results come in slightly less than what they actually are.

Read the PDF version of the study HERE

I have heard some people say that hair (on the head and on the face) makes a man look thinner, and I have heard others say they think it makes a man look heavier.

What do YOU think? Does facial hair make a man look thinner or heavier?


SOURCE:
Higgins, Paul B., Fields, David A., Hunter, Gary R., Gower, Barbara A.(2001). Effect of Scalp and Facial Hair on Air Displacement Plethysmography Estimates of Percentage of Body Fat. OBESITY RESEARCH, 9 (5), 326 - 330

R.I.P. Santa's Beard

Photo by Chance Agrella
An interesting article about the makeover of Santa for the 21st Century. One change is shaving off some of his weight. Another suggested change is shaving off his beard.

In this article from the Telegraph, research is quoted regarding how people perceive those who sport a beard:

"Prof Wiseman discovered that beards have a huge effect on how people are seen. When compared with the clean-shaven, those sporting white beards are seen as less generous (by 28 per cent), cheerful (39 per cent) and caring (29 per cent).

"When it comes to the relationship between perceived personality and facial hair, beards matter - and the effects are mainly negative," says Prof Wiseman. Therefore, a shaven Santa "would be much better"."

The article and research brings up the following questions:

1- What do you think of a made-over Santa?
2- What do you think about the findings of the study regarding how people perceive those with facial hair?

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Growing and Shaping a Beard

Photo by Chance Agrella
If you have ever seen reports about beard growing contests, then you are probably also familiar with the amazing shapes that have been created. They are creative, and pure art.

But what about growing a more standard beard? There is a certain amount of creativity involved in not only picking the right beard shape for your face, but compensating for any problems you come across along the way such as spots that won't grow hair.

One great source about the basics for growing and shaping a beard are here at All About Beards by Beardguy.

And, for those who have the time and ambition to tackle growing a more artistic beard, here is a link to a great source of beard-growing contest information, including some amazing photos: World Beard and Mustache Championships.

The question of the day is this:
If you were going to grow an artistic beard for a contest, what design or shape would you strive for?