Gentlemen, beards aren’t just for hipsters and hippies anymore.

If you want proof the beard is king in Charlotte, stand by any college, or look around any corner uptown: You’ll see full beards on the faces of students and men in their 30s and 40s.

So why the new hankering for heavy stubble?

While some say beards just make a man instantly sexy, researchers discovered there’s more to it than sex appeal.

"There are certainly some benefits to having beards," said dermatologist Dr. Ronea Harris with Presbyterian Dermatology South.

The study from the University of Southern Queensland found stubble or facial hair can improve men's overall health.

"We know that hair bearing areas because of the hair it does tend to protect more from UV light so we don't see as many skin cancers," said Dr. Harris.

The study also says that "all that hair" retains moisture and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and fresh-faced.

Severe weather season is underway in the Carolinas and the National Weather Service is looking to train severe weather spotters in our area.

The first of two classes in our area will be offered Thursday evening, May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Iredell County Agriculture Center. Classes are about two hours long and covers the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure and how to identify potential severe weather features.

The class is free, but you will need to register by calling 704-878-5097. For directions and more information, click here.

The next class will be offered in Union, SC on Tuesday, May 21st.

For more information on the SKYWARN program, click here.

Copyright 2013 WBTV.  All rights reserved.

LONG VIEW, NC (WBTV)- Police in Long View are investigating a deadly vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon.

The incident was reported at 4:04 p.m. on the 2200 block of Second Avenue, according to the Long View Police Department.

Police say at least one person was killed, the vehicle is upside in the roadway.

Shirley Accord, 77, died at the scene, police said.

Sheila Low, 23, was the driver of the vehicle that hit Accord.

Police say Accord failed to stop at a stop sign and was hit by Low's car.

Low was taken to the hospital for treatment.

No charges will be filed in the case.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.