From trimming to skin care: how to maintain a beard in an age of face masks

Typical face masks just might not cut it when it comes to covering your facial hair

Unruly facial hair may be impeding the usefulness of your face mask. Alamy

If you are sporting a beard right now then there are probably a few things we should discuss. Firstly, have you been outside? It is 38°C – this is not the weather for a beard my friends. Secondly, there is a chance it could render the still essential face mask less potent in the fight against Covid-19.

As it turns out, the 21st century’s favourite facial hair is fundamentally flawed when it comes to your mask. 

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, some beards could make a mask less effective due to inadequate sealing,” says Dr Rahul Chaudhary, specialist dermatologist at Medcare Medical Centre. “That means proper trimming is necessary, along with a knowledge of safe beard patterns.” 

Even without facial hair, that layer of fabric over your face can cause men’s skin untold problems, particularly when you add the heat in the Middle East. “You are risking allergic reactions, eczema flare-ups and other irritations,” says Chaudhary. “If you then have a beard, you can potentially add ingrown hairs to that list, too.”

But while all sensible suggestions might point towards a clean shave, that would be to underestimate the will and dedication of a beard-grower. For many, their facial hair is a badge of honour. It will not be lost without a fight. 

In 2017, the CDC acknowledged this and shared a chart of facial hair that would not interfere with the effectiveness of a face mask. According to them, beards were out, as were Dali-esque moustaches and even long stubble.

For those willing to dig out the razor then, thankfully, there are ways to soften the blow. “The style we would recommend to ensure mask effectiveness is a number one or two all over,” says Carlos Gamal, founder of Dubai’s CG Barbershop. “That is about 3 to 6 millimetres. Then you can play with the style of it with a fade, a natural line-up or failing that, just go for the classic clean-shaven look.”

But what about when it is not simply an issue of style? Rooted in the idea of faith and masculinity, a beard in the Middle East can often have a religious significance. That means shaving – even trimming – might not be an option. Which is where things get complicated.

It only takes a cursory glance online to see that nobody really makes an effective face mask for people with beards. When you consider the amount of paraphernalia you can buy to look after them, it is difficult to see how the market was missed. There are disposable masks, those with logos and even Virgil Abloh’s Off-White brand version for $150 (Dh550), but all in the typical N95 mould that are too small to cover a long beard.

If you are not buying, then you may be making masks, but the world of YouTube tutorials is, well ... murky. While a number of videos espouse the virtues of a bandana – not bad if you do not mind a bank robber aesthetic – one expert takes things a step further. Dan Bearded has 26,000 followers and wears a cap that says: ‘Keep it Rugged’. He seems far more concerned with making sure his beard is on-point than he is about defending himself against the coronavirus. The upshot? Dan recommends a child’s blanket as his face mask. Yes, let that sink in.

For those still determined to keep their beard, there are a few basics that can hold you in good stead. Firstly, look after it. “Ensure the beard is washed with a good beard shampoo and dried properly,” says Gamal. “The drying is very important because if it’s damp it can cause beard dandruff and itching. We do not recommend using oil or balm before wearing a mask. This can make it greasy and leave you feeling uncomfortable, especially in the Middle Eastern climate.”

When it comes to the fit of the mask, if you cannot buy something that covers your beard in full then, “a lengthier homemade fabric-based mask is advised,” says Chaudhary. “Avoid running your hands through your beard, then wash and dry it daily.”

If you are willing to shave, then you will have a mask that works better, but skin that still requires some maintenance. 

“Clean your face and moisturise before wearing the mask,” he concludes. “Then, once removed, clean and exfoliate before applying a soothing moisturiser.”

So, while face mask grooming is clearly an evolving science, there may have to be some sacrifices made along the way in order to keep you as safe – and as smooth-skinned – as possible. Best advice? If you have a beard, shave it off. 

Or else, you could be the one to invent a beard-friendly face mask.