The Handsomeness Reward

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

At Kennedy’s All American Barber Club, we agree with the recent Newsweek article, “The Beauty Reward,” that it’s no revelation we are a civilization consumed by image. Economists have long recognized what’s been dubbed the “beauty reward” (or “handsome reward” for us men)—the notion that handsome men, whatever their aspirations, tend to do better in just about everything.

Handsome men make, on average, 5 percent more than their less-attractive counterparts; a good-looking guy will get more attention from teachers, bosses, and mentors; even babies stare longer at good-looking faces (and we stare longer at good-looking babies).

We weren’t surprised when Newsweek’s study confirmed there’s a growing collection of research showing the bias against unattractive men is more pervasive than ever. And when it comes to the workplace, it’s looks, not merit, that all too often rule.

A recent study provided the following data: over his career, a good-looking man will make some $250,000 more than his less-attractive counterparts.

It also stated that 10% of men would consider cosmetic surgery if it made them more competitive at work.

We strongly believe in the current economy, when employers have more hiring options than ever, it seems looks aren’t just important; they’re critical.

Consider the following:

Fifty-seven percent (57%) of hiring managers state that qualified but unattractive candidates are likely to have a harder time landing a job, and more than half advised spending as much time and money on “making sure they look attractive” as on perfecting a résumé.

They also agreed that nothing is more important for a man to look attractive than to be clean-shaven and have a fresh haircut.

Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club provides both services. We also pride ourselves on being the place businessmen, celebrities and the even average workingman can all walk out of looking their absolute best…like a distinguished gentleman.

A great example of the importance of a fresh haircut and clean shave was the 1960 Nixon-Kennedy debate. At the time, radio listeners thought Nixon had won, but those watching Kennedy’s clean cut, tanned, chiseled face on TV, next to the somewhat worn-down, 5 o’clock-shadowed Nixon, were sure it was the junior senator who’d won.

The study also stated biologically-speaking, women are attracted to symmetrical faces. As the thinking goes: symmetrical faces are then deemed handsome. This is linked to confidence, and it’s this combination of looks and confidence we often equate with “smarts”.

Perhaps there’s some logic to this? If handsome young men get more attention from teachers, then, surely they have a better chance to do better in school and, ultimately, at work.

The thing we found most interesting from this study ‘s conclusion was that the more likely scenario is what scientists have dubbed the “halo effect”…that, like a pack of untrained puppies, women are mesmerized by a clean-shaven handsome man, blindly ascribing intelligent traits to go along with it.

We at Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club have known about this for years…and have perfected the method for giving men this “halo effect”…we’re pretty sure our Members and guests walk out better able to mesmerize.

The quest for good looks may be a centuries-old obsession, but in the present day, that reality is pretty “ugly”. Being handsome has more influence than ever—not just over whom we work with, but whether we work at all. And its not just women that have to keep up any more…it’s becoming increasingly important for us guys, too.

The best way for men to “keep up” is always to have a fresh haircut and be clean-shaven. The award-winning Kennedy’s All American Barber Club offers the finest in haircuts for men, the lost art of straight-razor shaves, and we guarantee that you will walk out with “The Best Haircut and Straight-Razor Shave You’ve Ever Had, or it’s Free!” You can find the location nearest you at http://www.KennedysBarberClub.com.

Or, if you’re not near one of our Clubs, the very next best thing is for you to visit http://www.KennedysBarberClub.com/store to get our new premium shaving products. You’ll be bringing the Kennedy’s Experience home to you and improving your “handsomeness” in the process.

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