It's a commonly repeated 'scientific fact' that beards are full of crap. Literally. People seem to think that there is fecal matter lurking in our facial hair, just waiting to make its way down our throats. Gross!
But is this really something we should be worried about? Or is it just another baseless urban legend?
In this article, we'll set the record straight and give you some tips for proper beard care.
No, but seriously, there's no shit in our beards bro
Let's say this loud, for the people in the back. There is no fecal matter in a normal man's beard! Check the Snopes.
This is a myth that needs to be flushed immediately. It's gross, it's wrong, and it's just not factual.
There's no more reason for you to have fecal matter in your beard than there is for you to have fecal matter on your scalp. In fact, it's probably less likely because beards are (usually) much cleaner than scalp hair.
So how did this gross myth get started?
The myth that men have fecal matter in their beards probably started because people think that beards are just gross and dirty.
This is a common misconception, but it's simply not true. Beards can actually be quite clean if they're properly cared for.
It's also been used to sell beard care products. Some companies have used the fear of fecal matter in beards to sell their wares.
So don't believe the hype – your beard is probably just as clean as the rest of your hair. And if you're still worried, there are plenty of ways to keep it clean and free of any unwanted guests.
But the real culprit here is crappy local 'human interest' news stories. You know, the kind of filler rubbish that strips important scientific discoveries down to catchy soundbites like 'you have poop in your beard!'.
It's these kinds of stories that rely on fear-mongering and sensationalism to get clicks, without any regard for the actual science behind them.
The story in question came from KOAT Albuquerque (that noted bastion of scientific research) who did an 'investigation' into whether or not there was, in fact, poo in beards.
Spoiler alert: there wasn't. But that didn't stop them from running with the headline “Be warned: Your beard may contain fecal matter”. Because why let the truth get in the way of a good story, right?
The 'study' itself was conducted by a local microbiologist, who gathered a few bearded men, swabbed their beards, and then cultured the samples.
What he found was that there were some enteric bacteria present. But here's the thing: you have enteric bacteria all over your body. In fact, we need enteric bacteria. They help us break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off bad bacteria.
The microbiologist did find higher levels of enteric bacteria in the beards than on the faces - but not by much. And when you think about it, that makes sense. Beards are hair, and hair means more surface area for bacteria to cling to.
But here's the kicker: the study found that the levels of enteric bacteria in beards were actually lower than those on dogs. Yep, you read that right. The 'dirtiest' place on a beard was actually cleaner than a dog's coat.
The problem is that it makes for a good clickbait article title, so it spread through the media like wildfire, with some examples being:
- Cosmopolitan: “New study finds beards are toilet-level dirty”
- New York Post: “Bearded men have poop on their faces”
- Canada Journal: “Your filthy beard contains more s— than a toilet, study shows”
- Daily Mirror: “Some beards contain more poo than a toilet shocking study reveals”
- News.com.au: “Shock new research reveals some beards contain more poo than a toilet”
- WSB-TV: “Beards are filled with bacteria and ‘as dirty as toilets’”
You may notice some similarities between these publications….
More reputable sources of information, such as the Washington Post and the Guardian were quick to point out the many many errors in this ‘study’ but the headlines were already flowing by that point.
But as we all know by this point, just because it makes for a snappy one-liner, doesn’t make it true.
So next time someone tells you that you have sh*t in your beard, feel free to point out that, in that case, they are covered in sh*t. It's in their hair, on their skin, and in their eyelashes. Both points are equally 'true'.
Ok, so my beard is entirely sparkling clean?
Well, no. We can only say that it probably doesn't have as much fecal matter as you might have been led to think.
A 2014 study found that beards can harbor bacteria, but no more so than other hairy parts of the body like your head or your chest. This makes perfect sense as beards are made of hair, and hair is often home to all sorts of bacteria.
While it's true that beards can harbor bacteria, it's also important to remember that our skin is covered in bacteria. In fact, our bodies are home to more bacterial cells than human cells! The vast majority of these bacteria are actually beneficial to us, helping to protect us from harmful pathogens.
So the next time someone tries to tell you that your beard is full of sh*t, just remind them that we're all covered in bacteria and that it's nothing to worry about. Besides, with proper care and hygiene, you can keep your beard as clean as you want it to be!
Tips for Proper Beard Care
Beards are a great way to add style and personality to your look, but they do require some special care to keep them looking their best. Here are a few tips for proper beard care:
Wash your beard regularly with a beard wash & conditioner
This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in your beard. You'll want to avoid using harsh cleansers as they can strip away the natural oils that keep your beard healthy. This will help keep your beard soft and manageable.
Look for a beard wash that uses natural ingredients to avoid any irritation. Remember that products for your beard are different from those for your head hair.
Trim your beard regularly
This will help keep your beard looking neat and tidy. You can either do this yourself or visit a professional barber.
Trimming helps remove split ends and keeps your beard looking neat and tidy. You'll want to avoid over-trimming, as this can give your beard a patchy appearance.
Don't neglect the skin beneath your beard
Be sure to cleanse and moisturize the skin beneath your beard to avoid any irritation or inflammation. A good place to begin is to avoid using harsh chemicals or heat styling tools on your beard, as this can damage the hair.
Instead, opt for natural products and styles like BEERDS products. The skin and hair of your beard are surprisingly delicate, so it's important to treat it with care.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your beard looking its best. So don't let the naysayers get you down – your beard is just as clean as the next guy's.
What products are available for beard care?
There are a number of different products available for beard care, from beard wash and conditioners to oils and butter balms.
The best way to find the right products for your beard is to experiment and see what works best for you. There are a few key things to look for, though.
First, make sure the products you're using are designed specifically for beards. These will be more gentle on your skin and beard hair compared to the rest of the hair on your body.
Second, look for products that contain natural ingredients. These will be better for your skin and hair, and won't contain any harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
Finally, choose products that suit your personal style. They all serve a specific purpose in your beard care routine.
With the right products, you can keep your beard looking healthy and stylish. So don't be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you!
To help you out, here's a quick breakdown of some of the most common beard care products and what they are used for:
- Beard wash: Used to cleanse the beard and remove dirt, buildup, and excess oil, beard wash, and shampoos are formulated specifically for facial hair.
- Beard conditioner: Used to hydrate and soften the beard, beard conditioners are often more gentle than regular hair conditioners.
- Beard oil: Used to moisturize the skin and hair, beard oil can help tame flyaways, add shine, and reduce itchiness and irritation.
- Beard balm: Used to style the beard, as well as hydrate and condition, beard balms typically contain beeswax or other waxes, which help to hold the hair in place. Our BEERDS beard butter balm contains shea butter and cocoa butter for extra hydration.
Now that you know what some of the most common beard care products are and what they're used for, it's time to get out there and find what works best for you! With a little trial and error, you'll be sure to find the perfect routine to keep your beard looking its best.
How to fit beard grooming into your usual grooming routine
The secret to keeping your beard looking its best is incorporating it into your regular grooming routine. Just like the hair on your head, your beard needs to be shampooed and conditioned regularly to stay healthy and looking its best.
Proper beard grooming can do wonders for the look and feel of your facial hair. In addition to keeping your beard clean and hydrated, it can also help to eliminate itchiness and irritation. A well-groomed beard is also less likely to harbor bacteria and other unwanted guests, like food particles or pieces of lint.
When it comes to bearded gentlemen, there's one question that seems to come up time and time again: how do you keep your facial hair looking so good?
The answer is simple: effective beard grooming. While beards have been back in style for a few years now, many men are still unsure of how to properly care for their facial hair. If you're one of them, never fear! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about keeping your beard healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
First things first: you need to invest in a good quality beard shampoo or soap. Just like the hair on your head, your facial hair needs to be clean in order to stay healthy. However, regular shampoo can actually strip away the natural oils that keep your beard soft and manageable, so it's important to use a product that's specifically designed for beards.
Most guys can get away with washing their beard a few times a week - too much more than that and you run the risk of stripping away the natural oils that keep your beard healthy and looking its best. When you do wash it, be sure to use a gentle, sulfate-free conditioning shampoo (like our Beard Wash) to avoid drying out your facial hair.
After shampooing, follow up with a conditioner designed specifically for beards (we recommend our Beard Butter Balm Leave-in Conditioner). This will help keep your beard hydrated, soft, and manageable.
Once you've found a shampoo that works for you, the next step is to make sure you're properly hydrated. Drinking lots of water is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair, so if you want your beard to look its best, you need to be drinking plenty of fluids.
In addition to staying hydrated, you also need to make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. Vitamin B, C, and E are all essential for healthy hair growth, so make sure you're eating plenty of foods that are rich in these nutrients. You can also take supplements if you feel like you're not getting enough from your diet.
Last but not least, it's important to invest in some good quality beard oil or balm. This will help keep your facial hair soft and hydrated, and it will also give it a nice shine. Just make sure to choose an oil or leave-in conditioner that's designed for beards, as regular hair products can actually make your beard look greasy.
Once your beard is clean and conditioned, it's time to style it. Depending on the length and thickness of your facial hair, you need to use a brush or comb to get it looking just right.
A beard comb, like the one you find in BEERDS Pro Kit, is a perfect tool for taming unruly beards - plus, it's small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take it with you on the go.
So there you have it, a few simple tips to help you take care of your beard. Just remember to be patient, as it takes time for facial hair to grow. And if you're ever in doubt about how to groom your beard, just ask a barber or someone else with experience. They'll be more than happy to give you some tips and advice.
What are the benefits of effective beard grooming?
There are a range of benefits that come with taking the time to groom your beard properly, including:
- A softer, more manageable beard - If you want your beard to be soft and manageable, then you need to take care of it. This means using the right products and brushing it regularly.
- A healthier beard - A well-groomed beard is also a healthy beard. This is because you're less likely to have dead skin cells and bacteria build up in your facial hair.
- Fewer split ends - Regularly trimming your beard and using the right products can help to prevent split ends from forming.
- A more polished look - If you want to look well-groomed and polished, then a neatly trimmed beard is a must.
- Enhanced self-confidence - Finally, a well-groomed beard can give you a boost of self-confidence. Knowing that you look good can make you feel good too.
Those are four important reasons why you should take care of your beard. Now get out there and start looking after that facial hair!
Remember, proper beard care takes time and patience – but it's worth it in the end. So take your time, find the right products for you, and enjoy the process.
Your perfect beard is out there waiting for you. Check out our products on Amazon to explore how we can help you dominate your growth.
Cheers!