'Beardfishing' explained as woman warned over popular dating trend in November

There's nothing quite like getting ready for a first date, only to discover the person you've been chatting to looks a little different in real life.

And while we're all familiar with catfishing, ghosting and breadcrumbing, there's another dating trend you might want to know about this November.

It's called 'beardfishing', and, as the name suggests, it's all about facial hair.

With No-Shave November encouraging men to put down their razors and embrace their beards, it's the perfect time to get clued up on the trend.

But what exactly is beardfishing, and should you be worried about it?

Well, thankfully, experts have now weighed in on the dating phenomenon, explaining why facial hair can influence attraction and how to avoid any awkward surprises when meeting someone for the first time.

Much like catfishing, beardfishing is when someone looks noticeably different in their dating profile photographs because they're sporting a beard.

Terri DiMatteo, Relationship Therapist and Creator of The Intimacy Bond at Open Door Therapy, exclusively explained to Tyla: "A beard can change the apparent shape of the face, emphasise the jawline, and contribute to a more traditionally masculine, mature, or rugged appearance."

However, she believes there's an important distinction between someone deliberately misleading a potential love interest and simply preferring how they look with facial hair.

"I think the term carries an assumption worth examining - that the man is deliberately trying to mislead someone. We don't necessarily know that."

Several experts have discussed the controversial dating trend (Getty Stock Images)

She added: "He may simply prefer wearing a beard, enjoy the way it looks, or be participating in something like No-Shave November to support cancer awareness and fundraising."

April Davis, Founder and Matchmaker at LUMA Luxury Matchmaking, also told us that having a flattering beard isn't necessarily the same as catfishing.

"If that's what you look like every day, that's what you look like," she said.

'So, why might people feel misled by beardfishing?', I hear you ask.

Well, while a beard might seem like a relatively small detail, it can make a noticeable difference to someone's appearance.

Davis explained: "A beard can cover a lot of your lower face and change how your chin and jawline look."

She added: "If someone was attracted to that look, they might be surprised when you arrive clean-shaven. They've been picturing you a certain way while you've been talking."

But does that mean you've deliberately deceived someone? Not necessarily.

"That doesn't mean you tricked them. People shave!" Davis said.

However, she did offer some advice for anyone who's changed their appearance since uploading their dating profile.

"If you look different from your pictures, send a recent one before meeting so your date knows what to expect."

Not all beardies might be guilty of beardfishing (Getty Stock Images)

DiMatteo also pointed out that online dating naturally encourages people to put their best selves forward.

"Dating profiles encourage both men and women to present themselves in the most appealing way possible," she explained. "People select flattering photographs, lighting, angles, clothing, and grooming styles. It's personal marketing."

She added: "I would distinguish between someone putting their best face forward and someone deliberately creating a materially false impression. Those aren't necessarily the same thing."

It turns out a beard can do more than simply keep your face warm during the colder months.

According to DiMatteo, research suggests facial hair can increase perceptions of masculinity, maturity and dominance.

"Some studies have found that women rate men with heavy stubble as particularly attractive, while other findings suggest that full beards may be more appealing in the context of long-term relationships," she explained.

But that doesn't mean everyone is going to fancy a man with a face full of hair.

"There is no universal response to facial hair," DiMatteo said, going on to point out that different beard styles can create very different impressions.

"Attraction is subjective. A beard isn't automatically an enhancement, and it certainly isn't automatically attractive to everyone."

Experts have offered advice to anyone who's changed their appearance since uploading their dating profile (Getty Stock Images)

Davis agreed, explaining: "Some people love a full beard, some like a little stubble, and others prefer clean-shaven."

She added: "Research on facial hair and attractiveness has found mixed results, so I wouldn't tell every man to grow a beard to get more dates."

In terms of her advice, she added: "Wear it how you like it and use photos that show your style. You want someone who's attracted to the person they're actually going to meet."

With No-Shave November encouraging men to grow their facial hair for the month, some might find their appearance changing quite considerably.

But Davis doesn't think taking part needs to be a problem.

"If you're growing a beard for No-Shave November, have fun with it," she said, including photographs both with and without facial hair if you regularly change your look.

"A seasonal beard doesn't have to be a big deal as long as you're honest about it."

And DiMatteo believes there's a much bigger issue at play when it comes to dating profiles.

"The real magic of attraction happens in the interaction between two people," she explained. "A photograph can get someone to stop scrolling, but it can't capture the warmth, humour, spontaneity, or chemistry that may emerge when two people actually meet."

She added: "We're trying to market ourselves through a two-dimensional image in the hope of creating a three-dimensional human connection."

So, whether you're into a full beard, a little stubble or a completely clean-shaven look, perhaps the biggest dating lesson this November is to make sure your profile pictures actually look like you.