## Dirtier than a stray dog According to Gutzeit, the beard of an average man has more bacteria than the hair of stray dogs. Researchers at the University of Hamburg, who reached an even more alarming conclusion, agree with their colleagues and found that the COVID-19 virus strain survives longer in beards! Additionally, bearded men are active spreaders of the infection, even if they wear a mask because the beard makes it loose around the chin. Moreover, the beard leaves traces of food in it, which are not visible to the eye. While cooking, the beard absorbs vapors, oil, and hairs are covered by a fat film and create an environment optimal for the reproduction of bacteria, which then with breath scatter several meters. ## Should beards be shaven? Beards can be shaven to maintain cleanliness. However, if a man already has one and likes it he is unlikely to get rid of it. The most important thing is to take care of it correctly. Ideally, the beard should be washed after every meal. However, most people don’t do this. So it's worth at least ===washing your beard separately, soaping it up and rinsing it thoroughly when you shower. When cooking, try to avoid anything in the kitchen from getting in your beard. When wearing a mask, it is advisable for beard wearers to wear two at once, so that the beard is completely hidden. After the mask is removed, it is a good idea to wash the beard. The beard should be brushed regularly to remove dust and also promote a smooth surface of the hairs, which means they will be less likely to absorb dirt. It's best to use a special styling oil or wax, as it fills the gaps in the scales and keeps dirt from getting inside. And, of course, it's best to cut your hair regularly. Hair accumulates everything that it absorbs, and the longer it is the more it accumulates. ## What are the benefits of a beard? There are numerous benefits. Bearded men have less frequent irritations and inflammations, which occur because of micro-traumas in the skin during shaving. Beards help the skin under the hair stay moisturized. The beard also protects the skin from UV light and, therefore, from premature aging.