health
Is it true that ... beards are unhygienic?
People assume that those with facial hair are more likely to harbor bacteria on their faces than the clean-shaven – but the truth is more tangled
TL;DR
- The perception that beards are less hygienic than clean-shaven faces is widespread, but scientific evidence is mixed.
- A 1967 study found that unwashed clean-shaven faces had more bacteria than unwashed bearded faces.
- Washing the face is more important for hygiene than being clean-shaven or having a beard.
- In healthcare settings, proper mask usage appears to negate any significant infection risk associated with facial hair.
- Overall, the idea that beards are inherently unhygienic is considered overblown, as bacteria are present on all parts of the body.