Few recent style trends have been as popular among guys than beards. But some recent data should make even the most ardent beard fan reconsider if it’s really worth having all of that bacteria-collecting hair so close to their mouth.
ABC News affiliate KOAT, out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, asked a handful of bearded guys to step forward and have their beards tested for bacteria. The news team swabbed the mens’ facial hair and handed over the samples to microbiologist John Golobic at Quest Diagnostics. And when Golobic measured the bacteria levels from the participants’ beards, he was blown away by the results.
“I’m usually not surprised and I was surprised by this,” Golobic told KOAT.
Most of the men’s beards contained normal bacteria that could be found just about anywhere. The facial hair of others, however, tested far worse. Their beards contained bacteria usually only found in fecal matter. And here’s the kicker—their beards were actually dirtier than some toilets.
Even though some of the bacteria don’t cause illness, Golobic believes that the results point to a worrying lack of hygiene in some bearded men.
So is it time for the beard to go or just time to upgrade your hygiene?
Here are a few essential things to do if you’re not quite ready to pick up the razor yet:
First, keep your hands away from your face. The last thing you want to do is spread fecal bateria to your mouth or nose. Second, scrub your beard thoroughly when you wash your face or shower. And finally, make sure to wash your hands often.
What do you think? Is it time for the beard to go? Share this article and get the conversation started with your friends on Facebook!
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