A small study has sparked debate about beard hygiene. It found that men’s beards may harbor more germs than dogs’ fur. But don’t grab the razor just yet – the results aren’t clear-cut.
The study looked at 18 men and 30 dogs. It found higher levels of bacteria in the men’s beards compared to the dogs’ fur.
This might sound gross, but it’s not the whole story.
Other research has shown different results. One study found that bearded healthcare workers had fewer harmful bacteria on their faces than clean-shaven ones.
So the jury’s still out on whether beards are truly dirtier than dogs.
Beard care is key to keeping facial hair clean and healthy. Here are some tips from barbers:
- Wash your beard regularly, like you wash the hair on your head
- Use beard-specific products for best results
- Don’t overwash – 2-3 times a week is often enough
- Exfoliate the skin under your beard to prevent “beardruff”
- Moisturize daily with beard oil or balm
- Brush your beard to keep it neat and styled
While these steps won’t make your beard totally germ-free, they can help keep it clean and looking good.
And there might even be a silver lining to beard bacteria – some types could potentially be used to make new medicines.
So before you ditch the beard, remember that proper care goes a long way. With some simple grooming habits, you can rock your facial hair with confidence.