It has almost become customary to wear a face mask everywhere. However, this situation has probably presented a tricky conundrum for you because you’ve spent a lot of time and effort growing your beard: Is it possible to wear a face mask with a beard?
Wearing a face mask with a beard is possible as long as the facial hair doesn’t interfere with the mask’s fit. N95 masks, for example, can’t fit properly over beards and most facial hairstyles. To ensure that a mask is well-fitted, it has to fully cover the beard and doesn’t leave any gaps.
In this article, we’ll further explore the question, “Is wearing a face mask with a beard possible?” We’ll also go over some tips to make it work, so be sure to stick around!
Can You Wear a Face Mask With a Beard?
While there has been little, if any, research on whether facial hair reduces the effectiveness of face masks, beards can increase the distance between your skin and the mask.
As a result, gasses, vapor, or particles are more likely to slip into the mask, defeating the entire purpose of wearing a face mask.
That’s one reason why most health care workers are completely shaven and see facial hair as an impediment to proper mask-wearing.
What’s more, according to the CDC, there are beard styles that can interfere with the respirator seal, or the exhalation valve if the mask has one.
Facial hair, no matter how thin or short, can prevent the mask from sealing on your skin, which can create gaps and openings. This is a problem for people who work at high-risk professions.
If you’re not in that position, you can get away with a few mustache styles or a soul patch, but a full-on beard can be an issue while wearing a face mask. Don’t reach for your razor, though!
Tips to Wearing a Face Mask With a Beard
If shaving your beard isn’t an option, here are some tips to make wearing a face mask with a beard a much more comfortable and safe experience.
Trim Your Beard
Of course, we won’t ask you to fully shave your beard. After all, many people choose to grow their beards for reasons such as self-expression, self-esteem, or even skin conditions that can be relieved by allowing facial hair to grow.
What we can suggest is that you trim your beard so that the mask you’re wearing fits properly. If you’re not particularly attached to your current beard style, you can also experiment with other styles.
Most importantly, make sure the mask you’re wearing doesn’t contain any alcohol or acids in them, or you may experience stinging or razor bumps.
Wear the Right Face Mask Size
When we say the right face mask size, we mean the one that provides the most safety while being comfortable, which means you can choose a large mask or a tight-fitting mask.
Each size has its perks, so let’s take a look:
Large Face Masks
Large face masks can give your beard room without interfering with the respiratory seam. They also don’t pose any risk as long as the nose and mouth are tightly covered.
The idea remains the same: the mask must fit properly. Even if you’re wearing a large face mask, it shouldn’t be too loose around your face.
You can go for a large face mask that goes from ear to ear, which is usually roomy enough for a medium-sized beard.
If you have a long beard, you can opt for a more accommodating face mask, such as the PURIAN Bandit Mask.
Tight-Fitting Face Masks
If you want the mask to fit snuggly as possible, you can either double-mask or wear a neck gaiter under your face mask. Either of these options should eliminate any gaps as much as possible.
Don’t Use Masks With Ear Loops
Your chin is what keeps most face masks from riding up your face and covering your eyes. However, if you have a beard long enough that the mask can’t tuck under as it would with your chin, the mask may
Without your chin to hold the mask in place, it can ride up and cover your eyes, which isn’t only irritating but also dangerous if you’re walking or driving.
That said, we’re aware that face masks without ear loops aren’t as readily available as masks with ear loops. In that case, you can use a strap extender to keep the mask in place. As a bonus, it’ll relieve the strain on your ears from the straps.
Apply Beard Butter
Just because you’ve gotten your beard under the mask doesn’t mean you want some wonky-looking hair when you take off the mask.
Unfortunately, the heat and condensation, combined with the tight fit of the mask, often cause beard divots, dents, and waves.
You can prevent those unsightly divots with a bit of beard butter, such as Maestro’s Classic.
Apply a pea-sized amount of butter to your beard. It’s not necessary to rub it too hard or to get into the roots. You should concentrate on the outer layer, which is more prone to taking on the mask’s tight-fit appearance.
After that, comb through your beard to achieve the desired shape, and your beard should retain its shape under the face mask.
While you can use beard oil, it won’t help your beard maintain its shape. It’ll, however, nourish your beard along with the heat and water vapor.
Take Breaks Often
Lastly, you should take a break from wearing your face mask whenever possible, whether you have a beard or not.
Most medical professionals agree that wearing a face mask for extended periods is uncomfortable and irritating. Among other issues, it can also cause facial trauma, difficulty breathing, and aspiration.
As a bearded man, wearing a face mask can cause you even more issues, such as beard itch or beard rash.
So, when you’re in a situation that allows you to take off the mask safely, you should give yourself that much-needed break.
Wearing a Respirator With a Beard Is Also Tricky
Common face masks are most effective when they fit snugly over your nose and mouth, leaving no gaps where they rest against your face.
The guideline is even stricter for more high-quality masks, such as N95 respirators, which are commonly worn by healthcare workers. These masks require a perfect seal between the skin and the mask.
As a result, having a full beard becomes an issue when wearing a respirator. Luckily, there are some tips to wearing a respirator with a beard properly.
Final Thoughts
The answer to whether wearing a face mask with a beard is possible or not can be tricky. It ultimately depends on the length and thickness of your beard as well as the type of mask you’re wearing.
What matters is that when you wear a mask, it must fit snugly around your face and not allow any gasses, fumes, or particles to pass through.
Now that we’ve got the issue of wearing a face mask with a beard out of the way. You might wonder if your beard can interfere with your favorite summer activity, diving. Read on here to find the best snorkel mask for your beard.