Are beards healthy or unhealthy?

Author: Casimer Murazik  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

While one study did find that beards are dirtier than you'd expect, they don't trap nearly as much bacteria as some would have you believe. Regular washing will ensure your beard is health and bacteria free. According to The Huffington Post, beards are able to block nearly 95% of harmful UV rays.

Is it healthier to have a beard or not?

The health benefits of beards

Beards can: Protect skin from sun damage. Beards can help protect the skin from harmful UV rays, though the degree of protection may depend on hair density and thickness. “You're going to have some protection because hair is a reflective medium,” Dr.

What is the 3 month beard rule?

Growing a beard isn't an overnight transformation—it's a journey. The golden rule? Commit to at least three months. No shaving. Resist the urge to reach for that razor, no matter how patchy or awkward things look at first.

Does having a beard age your skin?

Growing a beard does not inherently make your face age faster. In fact, some studies suggest that beards can offer certain protective benefits for the skin, such as shielding it from UV rays and reducing moisture loss. However, there are a few factors to consider:

Are beards a health hazard?

It's true that beards can essentially act as fomites, which are objects that can carry infection. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all be carried in facial hair.

Why Some Men Can't Grow Beards

Is there a scientific reason for beards?

Correlated research to this study pointed towards the fact that beards most likely evolved in men to help men boost their interaction among and over other men. More dominant men are most likely to get further mating opportunities when they intimidate their rivals and put them aside.

What does a full beard say about a man?

Research shows that men with beards are often perceived as more mature and dominant compared to their clean-shaven counterparts. A full-grown beard can give off an aura of wisdom and experience, making others naturally gravitate towards them for guidance.

Who should not grow a beard?

Overall, you should not grow a beard if you want simplicity, professionalism, or if you want to look younger. However, if you think you'll feel better and more confident with a beard, and don't mind the extra patience and maintenance requirements, then go ahead and grow one!

Do men look younger without a beard?

Most of the time, a closely shaved man looks younger than a guy with a beard and mustache. That said, there are no rules, just keep it well-groomed. If you decide it's time to cover your gray, use a dye that's meant for men's facial hair.

Why is clean-shaven better?

The benefits of a clean shave are as follows:
  • It can help remove dead skin cells (often the cause acne and bad skin)
  • It often makes you appear younger.
  • It will compliment a formal appearance.
  • Women often prefer a clean-shaven man.

What is the beard rule 9?

Rule #9: Clean Your Beard Up For Date Nights And Photos

Shape it with beard products and comb it into place. This doesn't mean you have to spend hours in front of the mirror.

How to stop a beard from looking like pubes?

Regularly Trim Your Beard

Even in the early stages of growth, when it comes to how to stop a beard looking scruffy, trimming is key. Not only will it keep your beard tidy, but it will also help to define the shape you want to achieve.

What is the rule 5 for beards?

Beard Rule #5: Use Beard Oil and Balm

The primary beard rule benefit of Beard Oils and Balms is their exceptional moisturizing capability, thanks to natural oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut.

What are the disadvantages of having a beard?

Here are some of the issues you might face if you have a beard.
  • Acne. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting around 50 million people in the United States. ...
  • Dandruff. Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) doesn't just affect your head hair. ...
  • Ingrown Hairs. ...
  • Skin Irritation. ...
  • Staph Infections. ...
  • Lice.

What are the benefits of not shaving your beard?

Body hair, especially in sensitive areas like the armpits and groin, acts as a barrier against friction and bacteria. By allowing hair to grow, individuals can reduce the risk of skin irritation and infections, promoting healthier skin overall. Shaving can often lead to redness, itching, and painful ingrown hairs.

Do beards trap germs?

Beards may be potential reservoirs for microorganisms implicated in hospital-acquired infections. If facial hair harbors more abundant and or more virulent pathogens than facial skin, then healthcare workers' beards may act as a bacterial source that may contribute to nosocomial SSIs.

What age do men become most attractive?

Furthermore, a data dive by Christian Rudder, co-founder of OkCupid, has used surveys to find the male age women find attractive above all others. The result? Between 38 and 39. That's the age Clooney was during Ocean's Eleven, Brad Pitt was during Troy, and Will Smith in I Am Legend.

Are men sexier with or without beard?

Summary: Cut Throat Club carried out a study, surveying over 100 women and found that overall women preferred men either clean shaven or with a well groomed beard.

Do grey beards look good?

Actors and public figures flaunting their natural gray beards on social media and in films make a compelling case for the look. George Clooney, Pierce Brosnan, and Jeff Bridges showcase how appealing a well-maintained gray beard can be.

What age is too late for a beard?

Age, however, does affect beard growth in some cases. The “prime” time for facial hair growth is between the ages of 25 and 35, generally speaking. But many men report that their beard continues to grow at a healthy rate even after they qualify for an AARP card.

Does no beard mean low testosterone?

Does No Beard Mean Low Testosterone? That's not entirely true. Testosterone can influence facial hair quality, but when your genes are not favorable for beard production, testosterone can't help. Most men have similar levels of testosterone, including men without a beard.

What race can't grow a beard?

There is no specific ethnicity that can't grow facial hair, but East Asian individuals, such as Japanese and Chinese, tend to have less facial hair and slower growth rates compared to other ethnicities.

What percent of men have beards?

For the first time in decades more men sport some form of facial hair than not, making the hirsute male the majority. A study by YouGov has found that most men (54 per cent) now say they currently have a beard or moustache, up from 42 per cent in 2016 and 37 per cent in 2011.

What does a beard tell a woman?

Women find men with light stubble most attractive, and men with full beards as most masculine. A fuller beard is perceived as indicative of good fathering ability and more investment in offspring. Some women do not care for men's facial hair at all.

What do beards symbolize in the Bible?

In the Bible, beards often symbolize wisdom, dignity, and masculinity, reflecting a man's status, maturity, and adherence to cultural and religious traditions.

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