A recent study found that men’s beards can carry more bacteria than a dog’s fur, including some harmful types like Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.
Researchers tested the beards of 18 men and compared them to the fur of 30 dogs. They discovered that all the men had high levels of bacteria in their beards, while fewer dogs carried harmful bacteria.
Beards create a moist environment that traps dirt, skin cells, oils, food particles, and sweat, which helps bacteria grow.
This doesn’t mean beards are dirty by default, but it highlights the importance of good beard hygiene. To keep beards clean and healthy, men should wash them regularly with a gentle shampoo, condition to keep the skin nourished, exfoliate beneath the beard, and trim regularly to remove split ends and reduce bacteria buildup.
Cleaning beard tools like combs and scissors is also essential. Good habits, especially after eating or sweating, help prevent bacterial growth. Overall, maintaining beard hygiene keeps your beard stylish and reduces the risk of infections.

Source: Engineering & Science