The surprising reason men may have evolved beards involves punches, violent fights and a scientific theory that has now earned an Ig Nobel Peace Prize

Researchers explored if beards offered protection during male-to-male fights. Their study examined how hair absorbs and redistributes impact energy. Sheep skin samples showed furred material absorbed more energy than plucked ones. This suggests facial hair could protect vulnerable facial structures from damage. The findings support the pugilism hypothesis for beard evolution.