It would seem that the prestige of a well-groomed beard is being eroded in certain sectors of society. Over recent years, male facial hair has gained popularity in the world of fashion and become an attractive feature for those who wear it groomed and with good taste.
Nevertheless, the Danish State Serology Institute (SSI) has published a recommendation on beards in the health sector, classifying those that are suitable for the profession and those that are less suitable for health and safety reasons, among workers and patients. The question arose when the use of masks became a requirement in health facilities and, admittedly, beards do not allow for full adhesion to the skin, and so that those that have a more protective function lose most of it due to incorrect use.
For the moment, there is no official imposition, it is merely an initial statement that intends to “attack” the bearded men in the health sector. The conclusion reached by the SSI recommendations is that it is best to go clean shaven, but have no fear, lovers of the Viking beard, you can also trim it and it will be equally valid and hygienically acceptable. Then there is another matter: Are those who have a beard and take care of it every day more hygienic than those who shave every other day, but do not wash their face in all that time?
Recommendations for types of beard and moustache in health professionals
Among the recommendations, the following beard types would be considered valid: Dalí, Verdi, The Zappa or conventional moustaches without excessive amounts of hair, as is the case of the Walrus. On the other hand, beards with too much personality or that are too thick, such as the Union beard or the Braided beard, should be avoided in order to ensure that health accessories can properly protect us.
Despite these recommendations, the debate is ongoing, since not even the Institute knows to what extent the effectiveness of masks decreases, and so they “wash their hands” of it. It is best to maintain daily facial hygiene and renew sanitary equipment frequently; it is wise to look for effective and tolerant options and try to avoid restrictions at all costs.
We are experiencing extremely complicated times in the health sector and it is important to have as much information as possible for our safety and that of the people around us, and therefore we must show solidarity with our loved ones and with all those people who are on the frontline of attack, sticking their necks out, with or without a beard above them, for the whole population.