The notion that men's beards can harbor more bacteria than toilets has sparked intense debate. Headlines proclaimed, "Some beards contain more poo than a toilet!" However, before reaching for the razor, let's examine the evidence.
The origin of this claim stems from a 2014 TV news crew investigation in Albuquerque, NM. Microbiologist John Golobic tested beard swabs from a handful of men, revealing surprisingly high bacterial levels. Golobic noted, Some beards contained a lot of normal bacteria, comparable to toilets." Critics argue that this study lacked scientific rigor, omitting clean-shaven controls.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection contradicts the "dirty beard" notion. Researchers compared bacterial colonization on 408 male healthcare workers' faces, finding minimal differences between bearded and clean-shaven individuals. In fact, some bacteria were more prevalent on clean-shaven faces.
Historian Alun Withey's ongoing research explores facial hair hygiene from 1700 to 1918. Beards have fluctuated in popularity, from the clean-shaven look of 1700-1830 to the Victorian "beard movement." Withey sees current debates as reflecting the hipster beard trend's enduring popularity.
Withey notes historical parallels, citing 17th-century writer Thomas Fuller's description of beards as "ornamental excrement under the chin." The hygiene debate surrounding beards persists, fueled by their widespread popularity.
