If you have a beard, you probably know that growing one can take time, patience, and dedication. However, a beard can give you a new look and take your confidence to the next level. In this article, I will present to you the top 13 beard facts that are completely backed by science.
Since there is a lot of fraud and myths about beards on the internet, I decided to take some time and find beard facts backed by science. I hope you will enjoy reading them!
Do Beards Protect from Harmful UV Rays?
Yes, they do. A study published in Radiation Protection Dosimetry found that beards offer 90% to 95% protection from harmful UV rays. The study also showed that UPF protection could range from 2 to 21. It means that having a beard can protect you from skin cancer, or at least in those specific parts of your face and neck that are covered by hair. This beard fact does not completely remove the need to lather up; I still recommend you use sunscreen when spending hours outside having fun in the sun.
Is There a Correlation Between Beard Growth and Baldness?
According to certain studies, yes, there is. This scientific beard fact tells us the reason is linked to the number of sweat glands located on the man’s face and the top of the head. If the beard gets bigger, the top of the head will become sweatier, which is not an ideal thing for hair growth. So beard growth and baldness can be connected.
Pogonophobia is a scientific term for fear of beards. Some people are terrified when they see a beard, and there can be a few different causes for this fear. However, scientists have discovered that the most common cause is a negative experience.
On the opposite, a person who loves beards is called a pogonophile. This beard fact has taught me I’m a pogonophile. I just got two beard facts in one!
Can Beards Help to Heal Your Skin?
Not directly, but… if you have sensitive skin, you must ensure that your razor is perfectly clean. However, if you think your razor blade might contain even a tiny amount of dirt and bacteria, you might want to take a break from shaving. By letting your beard grow, you will give your skin time to repair and heal.
How Much Time Does it Take to Care For a Beard??
This beard fact has me amazed! According to statistics, the average man spends around 800 hours (33 days) of his life nurturing his beard. It means you spend a whole month taking care of your beard! Also, the average man spends around 1000 hours shaving, around 45 days.
Another research also found that around 75% of men do at least a little facial hair grooming daily.
Can a Beard Help with Allergies?
Yes, it definitely can! Many men who suffer from different allergies have noticed that growing a beard significantly helps with lessening the symptoms. Those allergies are usually caused by different particles that float throughout the air. However, if you have a mustache and a beard, you will prevent most of those particles from entering your body through the nose or mouth.
Seasons can affect how well and fast your beard is growing. Researchers have performed different types of research and found scientific evidence that summertime is the ideal season for growing a beard.
Wondering what the reason behind that is? It is scientifically proven that our testosterone levels are elevated during summertime, which has a positive effect on how fast and well the beard is growing.
Does Eating Meat Help Your Beard Grow?
Yes! Protein doesn’t just help you grow big muscles. Keratin, a type of protein, is also a central building block of your hair. Since the production of keratin mostly relies on the types of food we eat, the more protein we ingest, the more keratin our body will produce. And the more keratin our body produces, our hair will grow.
This beard fact makes me want a burger! It’s all for science and my beard, of course.
Do Beards Make You Look More Aggressive?
Multiple types of research have found that men with beards look more aggressive than their clean-shaven counterparts. No matter the personality, our brain perceives bearded men as more aggressive.
The reason behind this is that a beard is a sign of active testosterone levels. So, when our brains see a bearded man, they relate it to elevated testosterone levels related to aggressive behavior.
Do Genetics Play a Role in Beard Growth?
This beard fact made me think about my father’s and grandfather’s facial hair. Scientists have concluded after numerous types of research that hair growth is linked to genetics. Your genes will have a direct impact on your hair growth, thickness, and even graying or color of your beard. So, if good hair runs in your genes, you are very lucky!
What is DHT Hormone?
Another factor that directly affects your hair growth is a hormone named Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is manufactured in the gonads and is one of the primary factors that affect hair loss or growth. So, whether you are completely bald or have a long beard with bushy mustaches, you should thank the DHT hormone.
Is Sleep Important for Beard Growth?
This beard fact is not only interesting but is also useful and good to know. Yes, sleep does affect your hair growth. During sleep, bodies detox and repair, and your internal functions must work correctly to make your beard grow properly. Think about it the next time you want to hit the snooze button. What I learned is it’s time for a nap!
Does Shaving Make Your Beard Grow Faster?
Although it is a popular belief, shaving your beard actually won’t make it grow faster or become thicker. When you shave, you leave your facial hair with a blunt tip, which might initially feel coarse or stubbly. During that phase, your facial hair can be more noticeable and even appear darker or thicker. However, as soon as the hair starts to grow, you will notice that shaving didn’t make any difference.
13 Scientific Beard Facts – Wrap-Up
I hope that you enjoyed all of these beard facts that are backed by science. Are you interested in seeing some of the weirdest and gross beard facts you haven’t heard before? Make sure to check out our article 12 Gross & Weird Beard Facts. Let us know your thoughts!
I made a round-up of all the beard facts I could find in one post. Check out this post and let me know if there was any that I missed.
Beards are becoming increasingly popular and fashionable. This is because they help men feel more confident and look better than ever before. Contents show 1…
