From toilet comparisons to 20,000 germs: The surprising science behind facial hair hygiene reveals beards might actually be CLEANER than clean-shaven faces
The great beard debate has reached new heights of controversy after scientists revealed that facial hair can harbor up to 20,000 bacteria – with some studies claiming beards contain more harmful microbes than dogs’ fur and even toilet seats.
But before hipsters everywhere reach for their razors in horror, experts are now saying that beards might actually be MORE hygienic than clean-shaven faces – and could even help fight off infections.
The hairy truth about what’s really lurking in men’s facial foliage has sparked fierce scientific debate, with surprising findings that challenge everything we thought we knew about beard hygiene.
The Dirty Details: What Lives in Your Beard
Human skin is already home to billions of microorganisms – mainly bacteria, but also fungi and viruses – and facial hair provides the perfect luxury apartment complex for them to thrive.
Research shows that beards create a warm, often moist environment where food debris and oils accumulate, creating ideal conditions for microbial growth. The constant touching of beards with hands that have been on phones, door handles, and other surfaces only adds to the bacterial party.
British research published in the journal Anaesthesia found that bearded surgeons captured more bacteria than their clean-shaven colleagues, with microorganisms coming from the mouth, nose, and hands.
A beard can turn into a hotbed of about 20,000 germs,” the study warned, noting that mucus from runny noses can stick to facial hair, while food crumbs attract even more bacteria.
The Dog Comparison That Shocked the World
In perhaps the most headline-grabbing study, European researchers compared bacteria levels in men’s beards to dogs’ fur – and the results were jaw-dropping.
The study, published in European Radiology, analyzed samples from 18 bearded men and 30 dogs who were scheduled for MRI scans. Researchers found that ALL 18 men showed “high microbial counts” in their beards, while only 23 of the 30 dogs had similar levels in their fur.
“The average man’s beard is more replete with human-pathogenic bacteria than the dirtiest part of a dog’s fur,” the researchers concluded, adding that men also left MRI scanners more contaminated than the animals.
The Toilet Comparison Controversy
The Washington Post recently reported that “some toilets contain fewer germs than the average beard,” sending shockwaves through the bearded community.
Microbiologist John Golobic of Quest Diagnostics swabbed numerous beards for a study and made a stomach-churning discovery: some of the bacteria found “are the kind of things that you find in feces.”
“Try to keep your hands away from your face, as much as possible,” Golobic warned, sparking headlines about “poo in beards” that went viral worldwide.
The Plot Twist: Beards Might Actually Be CLEANER
But here’s where the science takes an unexpected turn. Despite all the bacterial horror stories, multiple studies suggest bearded men might actually be more hygienic than their smooth-faced counterparts.
A major study of 408 hospital staff published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that clean-shaven healthcare workers were MORE likely to harbor certain bacterial species on their faces. Shockingly, those without beards were more than THREE TIMES as likely to be carrying MRSA – the notorious hospital superbug.
Bearded doctors were less likely to carry Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of hospital infections,” researchers found, with no increase in infection rates among patients treated by bearded surgeons.
The Razor Theory
Scientists have two theories for why clean-shaven faces might be dirtier:
- Micro-abrasions from shaving – The daily scraping of razors creates tiny cuts in the skin that become “fertile breeding grounds for bacteria
- Beards as bacteria fighters – In a fascinating BBC experiment, microbiologist Adam Roberts grew over 100 types of bacteria from beard swabs and discovered some might actually be killing off harmful microbes
“It’s possible that some of these microbes are helping in the process of killing off others,” Roberts explained, suggesting beards might function as their own antibiotic factories.
The Infection Risk Reality Check
Despite the alarming headlines, experts say the actual health risks from beards are minimal for most people.
I would not expect that a gentleman with a beard or a mustache places anyone, including their amorous partners, at any kind of increased risk of infection,” said Professor William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University’s infectious diseases department.
Dr. Kimberly Davis from Johns Hopkins added: “Our bodies have a remarkable capability to control and eliminate microbes. Microorganisms are not typically a problem unless they are pathogenic and enter the body through cuts.”
When Beards DO Become a Problem
However, neglected beards can cause issues. Dermatologists warn that beards can sometimes spread:
- Impetigo – A contagious rash often caused by S. aureus bacteria
- Fungal infections – From accumulated sebum and dead skin
- Pubic lice – In rare cases of poor hygiene or close contact with infected persons
- Skin irritation – From trapped pollutants and allergens
The Golden Rules of Beard Hygiene
Experts unanimously agree: the key to a healthy beard is proper maintenance. Here’s what scientists recommend:
DAILY WASHING IS ESSENTIAL “Wash your beard and face every day,” experts stress. This removes dirt, oils, allergens, and dead skin that feed bacterial growth.
USE PROPER PRODUCTS
- Beard conditioner for acne-prone skin
- Beard oil for normal skin
- Fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin
REGULAR GROOMING
- Use a beard comb to clear debris
- Trim regularly to control loose hairs
- Moisturize to prevent dryness and flaking
HANDS OFF The American Academy of Dermatology warns: “Avoid touching your facial hair – or your face. You can transmit germs from your hands to your beard.”
The Surprising Benefits of Beards
Professor Marcello Monti, head of Dermatology at Humanitas, offers a surprising perspective: “As a dermatologist, I have to say that wearing a beard is good for an individual. The beard can even be a defense mechanism for the body.”
He explains that while beards do harbor more bacteria than shaved skin, “they are the same type that normally live on the skin and therefore, they are not dangerous bacteria.”
The Bottom Line
So are beards truly dirty? The answer, according to science, is: it depends entirely on how well you care for them.
“With daily hygiene and proper grooming, beards pose little risk and may even be healthier than we once thought,” concludes Dr. Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester.
The message for the bearded masses is clear: don’t panic, but do pick up that beard shampoo. Your facial forest might be teeming with microscopic life, but with proper care, it’s no more dangerous than any other part of your body – and might even be protecting you from nastier bugs.
As one researcher put it: “The central question should perhaps not be whether beards are dirty, but rather we should focus on the knowledge and perception of hygiene and understand what poses real danger.”
So gentlemen, you can keep your beards – just remember to wash them.
