Category: Beard Wash

Beard Nets and Snoods — Everything a Bearded Man Should Know

Beard Nets

Beard nets and snoods are accessories many bearded men only discover after starting a job that specifically requires them. Learn everything you need to know about such headwear to balance your professional duties and personal style.

What Are Beard Nets?

Beard nets are protective coverings designed to contain facial hair, which may be necessary to keep individual strands from landing on surfaces that should stay contaminant-free, such as food items and machines.

A beard net is generally stretchable and lightweight, allowing it to fit snugly over your face. It has an elastic band, tie or string meant to go around your head to keep it secure while you wear it.

Beard nets are non-woven fabric — a material made up of mechanically, thermally and chemically bonded fiber webs. Non-woven fabric lends itself to garment mass production to yield large product volumes, and its processes spur innovation to enhance their flexibility, durability and other qualities to suit various applications.

What Are the Different Types of Beard Nets?

Simple beard nets only cover the mouth, chin and jawline. However, some designs cover more areas.

Hair and beard nets can contain scalp and facial hair simultaneously, avoiding the need to wear two accessories. Some beard nets also come with a bib that covers your chest and keeps your shirt clean.

You may see beard nets marketed as beard bandanas or guards. These coverings accomplish the same purpose but also offer facial hair protection. Men may wear them to prevent foods like soup and pasta sauce from getting into their beards while eating.

A beard bandana is part of many gentlemen’s grooming routines. If you use beard oil or balm to keep your facial hair moist at night, wearing one can prevent the product from soaking into your bedding. This headgear may be more comfortable if your beard is prone to knots and tangles.

Are Beard Nets and Snoods the Same?

Many people use beard nets and snoods interchangeably, so there should be no confusion between the two terms in most cases.

However, in fashion, snoods refer to tubular scarves. You can wear a snood as a face covering to protect your beard and mustache from the elements throughout the year. This versatile garment has no loose ends, serving as a hood when desired.

Unlike conventional beard nets, fashionable snoods come from woven or knitted fabric. They’re usually 100% polyester to have moisture-wicking properties, making them comfortable to wear on humid days.

Who Must Wear a Beard Net?

Any bearded man trying to land a job in an industry that considers hair a contaminant or physical hazard may have to wear a beard net.

For instance, businesses in the food and beverage sector usually have a hair restraint policy for compliance. Many local and state regulators adopt the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code to safeguard public health.

The code requires food processing or catering employees to wear restraints that keep their hair from contacting exposed food items, clean equipment, utensils, linens and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. Counter staff, hosts and servers are exceptions to the rule because they pose minimal risk of contaminating exposed food.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is particular about wearing respirators over beards. Facial hair can compromise a respirator’s airtight seal and multiply leakage by 1,000 times, defeating the purpose of wearing this personal protective equipment to prevent hazards related to airborne contaminants.

In compliant construction sites, management may require workers who need to wear a respirator to shave their beards.

Are Beard Nets Sustainable?

Modern nonwoven fabrics are recyclable. Though they entail specialized manufacturing techniques, beard nets shouldn’t harm the environment if you discard them properly and ensure they reach recycling facilities.

The sustainability movement has also given rise to renewable nonwoven fabrics. These materials are typically plant-based and highly biodegradable — microorganisms can break them down until they disappear without leaving lasting ecological damage.

Are Beard Nets Comfortable?

Some wearers experience discomfort because these accessories can be itchy and irritating, especially when worn for extended periods. The material and fit affect comfort — loosely woven nets may feel more breathable, while tighter ones can cause friction. Choose a high-quality, lightweight beard net to minimize irritation and make wearing it more tolerable.

How to Care for Your Beard When You Must Wear a Hair Restraint

Being strategic about your grooming practices when wearing a beard net will contain your facial hair more effectively and let you experience less discomfort. Follow these three tips.

1.   Keep It Tidy

Shorter beards are easier to contain, so trim your facial hair regularly with scissors or a beard trimmer. Learn whether your company imposes a maximum beard length to know how long you can let it grow before trimming it.

Strongly consider changing your style if you sport a bushy mane — like the Garibaldi beard, which takes several years to achieve. You may have to switch to the Van Dyke style and keep it closely trimmed.

2.   Trim Your Neckline

Some beard net designs exclude the neck. Your garment may fail to cover strands around that area, which could put you in trouble.

Keeping most of your neck hairless is beard grooming 101, even if you don’t wear a hair restraint for work. Shaving this area defines your style and maintains a neat, conscientious appearance.

Find the crease between your neck and jawline to know where your beard should end. Use a traditional razor to cleanly shave the area.

3.   Prioritize Hydration

Dehydration makes your hair shed faster. New hair may break and prematurely fall out when it becomes too brittle due to dryness.

Drink plenty of liquids and incorporate water-rich foods into your diet. Cucumber is the ideal snack for beard health. Ninety-five percent of this vegetable is water. It only has eight calories per serving, satisfying your hunger without gaining too many pounds to keep your testosterone levels high and minimize hair loss. It also supplies vitamin A — an essential nutrient for healthy beard growth.

Use a beard conditioner in the shower and beard oil or balm before leaving the house to keep your hair moist.

Grow Healthy Facial Hair Despite Wearing a Beard Net

Wearing a beard net can take some time to get used to. Your facial hair shouldn’t suffer while it adjusts to its covering. Practice these tips to maintain a healthy beard and feel more comfortable when using a hair restraint.

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Classic Movie Beards and How to Achieve Them

Facial hair is an underappreciated part of cinema. Without beards and mustaches, some actors wouldn’t have the aura and majestic looks that made them famous. How can you emulate the most renowned movie beards? Here are the eight best examples and how to achieve them.

1. Johnny Depp: “Pirates of the Caribbean”

“Pirates of the Caribbean” has made $1.45 billion since its 2003 debut. When you think of the movies, you likely picture Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow with his fashionable beard. The braids and beads make his facial hair iconic and recognizable, even from a silhouette. While challenging, it’s one of the best facial hair styles to emulate.

Start by growing a full beard because you’ll need plenty for the braids. Once grown, shave your cheeks and most of your neck as if you’re creating a goatee. Divide your chin hair once it reaches 4 inches and braid it. You’ll look even better with the soul patch, so don’t shave it. This beard is excellent if you don’t have a lot of facial hair but still want a fun style.

2. Sir Ian McKellen: “The Lord of the Rings”

Speaking of successful movies, “The Lord of the Rings” features Gandalf and one of the most legendary beards. Sir Ian McKellen rocked this look that gave the wizard his superior wisdom, helping Frodo and Sam on their journey. Practice patience — you’ll need it for this style.

Let your mane grow for multiple months to get the Gandalf beard. Length is the primary goal, so maintenance is necessary to keep it stylish. Your grooming routine should include a conditioning wash, consistent brushing and occasional trims to improve appearance. The white and gray dyes are optional for this one.

3. Hugh Jackman: “X2”

Wolverine is famous for his hair and sharp claws, but you shouldn’t forget the iconic mutton chops. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal in “X2” is unforgettable and worthy of Halloween or cosplay ideas. This facial hair concept is pretty manageable, though you’ll need attention to detail for perfection.

Focus on your cheeks and the mutton chops for Hugh Jackman’s beard. Shave your mustache and the soul patch down to stubble so people see the rest of your face. Your mutton chops should be around 1 or 2 inches, so let the hair grow for a while. Don’t worry if it looks unkempt.

4. Clint Eastwood: “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

Clint Eastwood has numerous iconic movies, but his looks stand out in “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” from 1966. Eastwood’s appearance is iconic for his hat, poncho, grubby cheroot and era-defining cowboy stubble. If you want simplicity, this movie beard is for you.

The Man With No Name has a surprisingly groomed beard for being an aggressive bounty hunter. Grow the hair on your cheeks, but trim it to ensure it doesn’t go wild. Your neck hair can grow slightly, but keep it shorter than your cheeks to emulate the style.

5. Tom Hanks: “Cast Away”

Not all cinema looks need grooming. In “Cast Away,” Tom Hanks has to survive on a deserted island. The setting had no razors, so he had to let his facial hair grow. While grooming is part of any good maintenance routine, it won’t be for this beard.

In “Cast Away,” Tom’s facial hair gradually grows, so your beard comes in phases. Start with heavy stubble before progressing to a more unorganized look. Your beard should be about 3 mm long by the third day, so let it progress. Eventually, your facial hair should reach scruffy and unkempt levels to mimic Hanks.

6. Kurt Russell: “The Thing”

If you like sci-fi and horror, you probably recognize the greatness of “The Thing.” Kurt Russell starred in this 1982 movie and made headlines because of his fantastic beard. His facial hair embodied the full-hair-and-beard look famous in the 1970s and 1980s.

Russell’s big beard was essential for filming in Juneau, Alaska. Emulating his facial hair requires growing it out for a few weeks, depending on how fast it grows. That said, your R.J. MacReady beard needs plenty of grooming to ensure it stays intact. Use beard combs and regularly trim to ensure cleanliness on your face. You could also use some frost to emulate the Alaskan cold.

7. Gerard Butler: “King Leonidas”

Some men command great power with their beards. If you want to look like a king, take lessons from Gerard Butler. The famous actor portrayed King Leonidas of Sparta as he led 300 Spartans into Thermopylae. Pair the outfit with a cape and sword for an authentic look.

The 300 beard requires an extended growing period, so don’t shave for a couple of months. If you want a touch-up, clean the upper half of your cheeks. Otherwise, ensure a pleasant and even style across your mustache and soul patch. Volume is critical here, so use good beard products and a healthy diet to emulate one of the best movie beards.

8. Zach Galifianakis: “The Hangover”

“The Hangover” was one of the best films from the late 2000s, boasting over $460 million at box offices worldwide. This franchise is synonymous with Zach Galifianakis and his big beard, sunglasses and baby carrier. If you combine all three, you could craft an excellent costume. Grab a couple of friends to portray Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms.

The Zach Galifianakis beard requires grizzly bear genes because you require full facial hair. You can get an occasional trim to clean it up, but you won’t need much more. Keep the beard entirely brown for the first “Hangover” movie, but later portrayals require some gray mixed in the middle. Curl your hair if you want to complete the look.

Growing the Best Movie Beards

While performance goes a long way, appearance puts actors over the top. Captain Jack Sparrow, Chuck Noland and Gandalf are a few men who wouldn’t be the same without their beards.

When growing movie beards, pay attention to the specific maintenance needs. Some appearances need consistent grooming, whereas others can remain unkempt.

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Keeping Beards Protected From Pests

Dropping food into your beard isn’t unheard of, but it could invite unwanted guests. If you don’t manage it well, your facial hair could be a bug’s next feeding ground.

While it may seem unimportant, beard maintenance can go a long way in deterring mosquitos, flies and other insects. Here’s what you need to know about pest prevention for your beard.

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How to Keep Pests Away From Your Beard

Growing a beard comes with the responsibility of keeping it clean — otherwise, you could set up a red carpet for bugs to enter your facial hair. Here’s how to keep pests away from your beard.

Consistent Cleanings

Your beard experiences a lot during the day. Work, exercise, parties and family time can take your facial hair anywhere indoors and outdoors. While showing off your beard is fun, you must clean it consistently to remove unwanted contaminants.

Food, dirt, sweat and bacteria build up inside the hair, even if you don’t notice them. A clean beard is essential to keeping pests out and maintaining good hygiene. Experts recommend washing two to three times a week for beard upkeep.

Routine Trims

A messier beard provides an attractive resting spot for pests. Routinely trim your beard to reduce the chance a bug will set up camp inside. This is similar to cutting the grass in your yard to eliminate habitats for snakes.

If you let your beard grow, you could risk trapping moisture and growing bacteria. Thus, trimming your facial hair is critical to fostering a cleaner environment under your chin. A smaller beard is also easier to clean, letting you spend less time in front of the mirror.

Neutral Scents

Smelling fresh is critical to your hygiene. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and cologne impact how people perceive you. While the scents from these products are great, they could bring unwanted pests to your beard. Research shows carboxylic acid attracts mosquitoes, so refrain from using products with it in your beard.

When in doubt, select neutral scents for your beard care. For example, unscented shaving cream leaves no scent while delivering a fresh feeling. If you like more complex smells, experiment with products to see which ones repel pests better than others.

Careful Eating

When you haven’t eaten in a while, it’s time to chow down. However, overzealous eating can harm your beard if food leaves your mouth. Accidents can happen, so careful eating is essential for beard protection. Sometimes, covering your mouth might not be enough.

Protect your beard by eating slower and taking smaller bites to make it easier on your mouth. Consider using a fork, knife and other utensils instead of your hands to control the food as it enters your mouth. Enhance your beard protection with nearby napkins and wipes to cleanse your face.

Beard Protection

When the ultraviolet (UV) rays are dangerous, people wear hats to protect their scalps. Should you take similar measures for your beard? While there aren’t beard hats, there is some gear to safeguard your facial hair when you walk outside. For example, a beard scarf could be your solution.

Why Bugs Are Attracted to Facial Hair

Why do pests like making themselves at home in your beard? Here are a few reasons they like your face.

Attractive Smells

While bugs may like your artificial scent, there are other natural smells they can’t get enough of. Humans emit carbon dioxide (CO2), thus benefiting plant growth because they need it for respiration. What else has an attraction to this gas? Mosquitoes can sense CO2 from 50 yards away, making it hard to hide.

When bugs smell CO2, it indicates where their next meal could be. Mosquitos use this scent to find your skin, take refuge and begin feasting. While on your body, they find other attractive smells in your beard and take refuge.

Food Search

While humans and insects seem different, they’re both animals at heart. Invertebrates and vertebrates have daily goals to find food. Bugs typically eat plants, but they won’t pass up the opportunity to feast on you.

Beards provide a unique opportunity for insects because the hair traps tiny food particles. While a shower can help the beard, you could be vulnerable to less noticeable messes. Suppose you sweeten Greek yogurt with honey for a healthy snack. The honey could get stuck in your beard and invite bugs for their mealtime.

Temporary Shelter

Shelter is another critical need for insects. If you’re unlucky, they may seek a home inside your beard. Facial hair might not seem large enough for a habitat, but it’s the right size for a tiny bug. Pests see your beard as a refuge from the dangerous outdoor environment where their predators are.

Beards keep you warm during the winter, giving you a natural advantage in the cold. Pests also recognize this opportunity and want to take advantage of it regardless of the season. Research shows insects prefer higher temperatures, so your beard provides the needed spot.

Laying Eggs

When bugs find a safe and warm place, they may see it as an optimal spot for laying eggs. Their spawn needs moisture and warmth inside the egg, so your beard could be a suitable place. Consistent sweat and hot temperatures make your facial hair their next destination.

For example, experts say lice affect up to 12 million people annually, and these tiny bugs can get in your facial hair.

Bacteria Haven

Working hard in the gym or outside means you’ll break a sweat. While it’s a sign of a job well done, the sweat dripping from your face to your beard could bring negative consequences. This fluid contains bacteria that don’t smell great to humans but are attractive to pests.

When you sweat, your body calls pests and tells them to come over. Mosquitos enjoy human sweat because it contains lactic acid and ammonia. Excessive sweat makes it worse, so grab a towel and clean yourself after workouts.

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Are Beards Becoming More Common in Business Settings?

Your appearance means a lot in the business world. You’ll have an easier time dealing with partners and customers when you look and sound professional. How does facial hair fit into the equation? Are beards unprofessional in the modern landscape? Clean-shaven faces were once the norm, but facial hair has become more accepted in the office. Here’s what you need to know about modern customs.

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Do Beards Have a Place in Business

The 20th century mainly saw clean-shaven men in media and offices because cleanliness represented professionalism. However, society has gravitated toward facial hair — especially men with professional beard styles. Some professions may discourage it, but you have more freedom to wear your beard in the workplace. In fact, there’s a good chance your boss also has one.

YouGov has tracked facial hair trends for over a decade and has seen a shift in perception. Its 2023 survey asked British men if they have facial hair and how they wear it, and the change since last decade has been drastic.

Over 60% of men in 2011 had no facial hair, but that number has dropped to 46% in the last 12 years. The proportion of men of any age with a beard and mustache has skyrocketed from around 10% to over 30%.

This trend is even more pronounced for men between 18 and 39, with over 40% of this age group sporting beards and mustaches. The beard-growing trend has also affected women, with a 13% increase in those who prefer men with beards. In 2011, 66% of British women liked a man without a beard, but that number has dropped to 36% in 2023. The survey finds that 44% of women don’t prefer either style.

Beards in the Workplace

People have become more accepting of beards and have even encouraged them in daily life. How does it translate to the workplace? A recent survey from Hims polled 500 men who have jobs.

The survey finds that 63% of respondents kept their facial hair when interviewing for their current role. About 40% sported a beard, 30% had a goatee and 20% wore a mustache. The survey also notes about 72% of respondents did not review their company’s beard policy before starting the interview. About 90% of men say their policy allows beards at work, with most saying there’s an expectation to keep their facial hair neat.

What Obstacles Do Beards Face in the Workplace?

While facial hair has become more acceptable in the workplace, some of your co-workers may still say beards are unprofessional. These obstacles demonstrate what you may have to go through with a beard.

Perception

Santa Claus is a famous jolly figure with a big beard, but even he has difficulty changing people’s perceptions. Although time has been kinder to beards, stereotypes still exist among the general population.

For instance, a 2021 Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology study examines how people see masculinity and aggressiveness in men’s beards. The results show the respondents had the best accuracy when associating bearded faces with anger and aggressiveness. Conversely, the participants had an easier time associating happy expressions with those sporting no facial hair.

This research demonstrates stereotypes still exist for guys with beards. You generally can wear facial hair in a business setting, but you must be careful not to reinforce typecasts like anger and aggressiveness.

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Dress Codes

While times have changed to support beards, you may have to abide by your company’s dress code if it says you cannot wear one. Some businesses enforce this policy for professionalism, whereas others create the rules for health and safety protocols. For example, if you work in manufacturing or food services, your employer may require shaven faces to comply with regulations.

The military is another place you must comply with the beardless dress codes, but times could be changing. A 2022 report indicates the Air Force has considered allowing a quarter-inch-thick beard in a new policy. However, it’s unclear if or when the new rule will take effect.

Laws

You could argue beards are a freedom of expression, and the law should protect your facial hair. However, there isn’t much legal help on your side. Employers have the right to create dress codes and grooming standards as they see fit for their operations.

So, if the boss says you can’t have a beard, they’ll likely get away with the policy. However, the circumstances change if you wear a beard for religious reasons. Federal laws protect your beard from discrimination if it’s part of your religion.

How Can You Craft Professional Beard Styles?

The proportion of people saying beards are unprofessional has declined in recent years. However, sporting professional styles is integral to ensure your boss doesn’t say anything about your facial hair. Here are a few tips for looking acceptable in the office.

Trim Your Facial Hair

Beards can look stylish and socially acceptable until they reach a certain point — then they become scraggly and unkempt. Experts say trimmed facial hair is best for looking presentable in business casual settings. Trim it regularly to keep your beard looking its best.

If necessary, create a grooming schedule to ensure your facial hair doesn’t get out of control at any point of the week. You can save time by trimming the night before work, but the morning may be better if your beard grows fast.

Comb Your Beard

Beard length won’t be as much of an issue if you groom it wisely. For instance, use a comb to style and shape your facial hair in particular directions. This tool is also helpful in distributing beard oil and beard balm, ensuring your facial hair has adequate moisturization throughout the day. Keep a beard comb nearby to groom yourself at work and look your best for meetings.

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Pick a Fitting Style

Professional beard styles vary by the guy, with some lineups looking better than others. Find the one that fits your head shape and wardrobe, as it will make your facial hair look more acceptable in a business setting. For instance, a man with a square face looks stylish with a goatee, whereas a triangular head may look better with a full beard and mustache. 

Are Beards Unprofessional? Not Anymore

Beards have a complicated history in the business world. If you worked in a 1950s office, you wouldn’t see many beards because people deemed them unprofessional. However, times have changed to be more accepting of facial hair.

Beards are more common in business settings, but you must ensure yours is tidy and groomed. Some workplaces may forbid beards for health or safety reasons, so examine company policy before growing your facial hair.

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