Facial hair has been one of the most distinct features of men. While it is stylish and manly, it has been questioned as hygienic or beneficial to your well-being.
What does a thick, bushy beard do for your health?
In this blog, we will uncover the beard truths about the different health benefits of a beard for your body. And we will talk about proper hygiene to get the most healthy beard possible. Let's reveal the truth right now!
#1. Beard regulates your body temperature
Yes, but not entirely.
Imagine a small piece of fabric only to cover your body against the coming winter. Can it keep your body warm throughout the harsh cold seasons?
It's the same when you have a beard. It doesn't matter how thick and wide it is. Your Viking beard can only keep your chin, cheeks, and partially your neck warm, acting as a half scarf.
How will this work? As long as you have a dense beard, you have no trouble staying heated during fall or winter. Thin beards, on the other hand, won't stand a chance against cold winds. So, it's better to stick with your woolly scarves.
#2. Beard hairs protect your throat
Like your nostril hairs, your facial hairs can capture dirt and bacteria. Yes, your beard can act as an air filter, protecting us from inhaling anything harmful to our respiratory system. But there's a catch.
If you don't wash your beard regularly, it can house some bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. The bacteria trapped within your hair strands will go straight to your lungs.
#3. Facial hair prevents you from asthma attacks
Are you having trouble breathing due to asthma? Unfortunately, growing a beard will not save you from asthma triggers. Sure, beard hairs may help filter out some airborne particles, but not severe allergens, infections or environmental pollutants.
So, don't rely too much on growing a bushy beard to defend yourself from asthma attacks. Stick to medical-grade treatments and your doctor's expert advice.
#4: Beards can make allergies worse
A well-kept beard can protect you from dry winds and bacteria. But a dirty beard will make the common allergens, and friendly microbes are your worst enemy.
Here's what you can expect from a dirty beard:
- Staphylococcus - a harmless bacteria that can lead to Staph infection
- Enterococcus - also known as the fecal bacteria found in hands, mouths, and facial hair
#5: Beards can make you sick
This last one is true if you haven't been taking care of your beard. Beards can harbour dirt and microbes that can cause different skin issues and allergic reactions.
Imagine hosting the biggest nestling place for a microbiome to form, all on your face, ready to enter your body. That's why beard care is such an important part of your daily routine.
Verdict: Good for your health, but…
Beards are not just for aesthetics—a way to boost self-confidence in men. But facial hair doesn't have to remain as a fashion statement. It can also be another protective layer on your body. Whether it be against the weather or allergic diseases, the fuller your beard is, the more chances you can stay in tip-top shape.
But you can have to keep your beard healthy as well. You don't want pesky dust mites and poo in beards.
Clean your beard and skin regularly
Hair shampoo or facial cleansers target your scalp and face, not your beard. You need a dedicated beard wash made for coarser hair. Beard cleansers have mild and natural ingredients to cleanse your hair follicles and the skin underneath.
Nourish with beard oils
Your natural oils are also washed off after washing off the impurities. To avoid dry skin, you need a lightweight beard conditioner to hydrate and keep your beard shiny, manageable, and protected from the heat and cold. A pro tip to remember is to constantly apply beard oil when your beard hairs are still slightly damp.
Brush to straighten
After applying beard conditioner, your beard is not yet done. You still need to brush it to keep it well-groomed.
Beard brushes and combs are fine. However, if you want your facial hair to stay in its shape, whether a ducktail beard or a lumberjack beard, you need the Beard Forger.
The beard forger is a cordless beard straightener that has multiple heat settings. It keeps your beard hair straight without getting burnt. Plus, it has ionic technology that eliminates frizzy and curly beards all day.
Final thoughts
Beard can protect us. However, it doesn't mean we must abandon proper diet, exercise and hygiene. You still have to keep yourself fit and healthy. That includes your beard.
If you want a complete beard care kit, visit Odenson for the best one.
