Your grooming routine isn’t complete without beard care (and that’s daily)
You may think your beard is clean but, do you really know how many germs are lurking within? Here’s a startling fact: men’s facial hair may contain as much bacteria as the average toilet seat! This was the result of a study done by microbiologists in America. They tested a group of men with beards and after analysing the results, found that some facial hair contained bacteria you’d commonly find in a toilet.
Alarming, but that doesn’t mean you need to rush off to the bathroom and immediately shave off your facial hair. However, a little hygiene goes a (very) long way.
Why are germs attracted to your beard?
Germs and bacteria love warm, damp little places to thrive in, so that hairy patch on your face makes a cosy home for these culprits. Also, facial hair can cause skin irritation or an infection, thanks to oil and sweat build-up. Which makes it essential to elevate your beard hygiene routine.
Daily face (and beard) wash
You wash your face every day, so hopefully you’re washing your beard too. And yes, that means using soap or face wash. Lather up your facial hair and rinse well. Think of everything you eat in a day, and how easily crumbs and pieces of food get stuck in your beard. Wash well, and at least twice a day. In fact, you could even shampoo your beard, as you do the hair on your head. Try to do this at least three times a week, depending on the oiliness or dryness of your hair and skin. Add a little conditioner for extra softness.
Moisturise your beard
Male skin also needs moisturising. Use a beard oil or moisturiser that’s meant for softening the little hairs and your skin. Moisturising will help soothe irritations and help prevent itching.
Snip and trim
Just as female hair needs regular maintenance to grow healthily, so too do beards. Schedule regular trims to keep your beard from looking scruffy. And the longer your beard is, the more necessary neat trims become. Regular washing, trimming, and moisturising can keep your beard fresh and germ-free without needing to shave it off.
Also important:
Comb and brush your beard often, especially after eating. Combing helps prevent tangling and gets rid of leftover food particles. And of course, the golden rule: try not to constantly touch your face/beard.
Each time you touch your face/skin, you transfer dirt and bacteria from your surroundings into your facial hair.
A note on facial hair and viruses
Viruses and bacteria can cling to beard hair. During cold and flu season, beards can trap droplets and create a warm, moist environment where germs thrive. This doesn’t mean beards are unsafe, but it highlights the need for regular cleaning.
It’s also why regular grooming is helpful. Grooming distributes natural oils, removes dirt, and prevents tangles – making your beard healthier overall.
By the way, your lifestyle habits play a big role in beard hygiene. A diet high in oily or greasy foods can leave residue in your facial hair, so eating mindfully and cleaning up after meals makes a difference.
Smoking also affects your beard, as the hair easily absorbs smoke, leading to unpleasant odours and dryness. And if you spend time in dusty or polluted environments, your beard is more likely to trap dirt, which means regular washing and grooming become even more important.
Images: Unsplash
