Millions of men ‘stuck in a rut’ when it comes to their facial hair style, study finds

Millions of men are “stuck in a rut” when it comes to their facial hair styles. A poll of 2,000 adult males found the average man has had the same beard, moustache, or sideburns for 10 years.

More than four in ten (43 percent) revealed they’ve avoided change because their current style is quick and easy to maintain.

And 15 percent admit they lack confidence to try something new, while the same number are “too scared” to update their look in case something goes wrong.

However, 35 percent want to change things up, but just don’t know how to go about it – and 12 percent lack the right tools and products to successfully achieve a new facial hair style.

The research was commissioned by Royal Philips, makers of the new OneBlade 360, which adjusts to contours of the face to reach difficult areas.

The brand has teamed-up with TV personality, Pete Wicks, as part of its “Flip360” campaign, which aims to give people the confidence to change their facial hair look.

He said: “I’ve had the same look for years now. When I was younger, I used to try out all sorts of styles, including a questionable goatee and a load of different moustaches.

“But since I’ve been in the public eye, people have got used to seeing me with one look.

“I’ve decided it’s finally time to get out of this rut, and get myself and other people to mix things up with their facial hair.”

The study also found 31 percent of those with facial hair are so attached to their particular style, they claim they’d turn down £10,000 rather than go clean shaven for a month.

However, 30 percent of everyone polled would happily take the money – because they struggle to grow facial hair.

As such, 19 percent would give up alcohol to get the perfect beard, and 12 percent would give up sex for the same reason.

It also emerged 10 percent have been inspired by celebrities’ facial hair looks.

Freddie Mercury (14 percent), Elvis (14 percent), and Tom Selleck, AKA Richard from Friends (13 percent), were deemed to have the most iconic facial hairstyles of all time among those polled.

Hulk Hogan (11 percent), Jesus Christ (eight percent), and Craig David (six percent) also proved to have popular looks.

Interestingly, the painter’s (19 percent), the pencil (10 percent), and the horseshoe (10 percent) are the moustache styles men most want to make a comeback.

And the goatee (19 percent), “Zappa” (14 percent), and “Van Dyke” (12 percent) are the beard looks they’re most keen to see return.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found 41 percent of males polled got to the age of 31 before realising they’d had the same look for years on end.

Amy Boxall, male grooming expert at Philips, said: “It’s natural to be nervous of change.

“So it’s no surprise that people can get stuck in a rut and stick to what they know when it comes to their grooming routine.

“And it’s clear with this research that not having the right tools and products is a big barrier to feeling confident in trying a new style.”