Some headlines have compared beards to toilet seats, claiming they contain more germs. While one viral report suggested beards harbor fecal bacteria comparable to toilets, this claim originated from a non-scientific TV news segment, not peer-reviewed research, and has been widely debunked by experts. [6,7] For years, there's been a debate over whether beards are "dirty" or if they carry more germs than clean-shaven faces. But what does science really say?
Concerns about beard hygiene are not new. Dating back over 50 years, early research showed that facial hair could retain bacteria and bacterial toxins even after washing, leading to the persistent idea that beards might act as bacterial reservoirs. [8] This historical concern has fueled ongoing debate, especially in healthcare settings.
Let's look at what research shows and how you can keep your beard and skin underneath healthy.
Researchers have studied whether beards actually carry more microbes than clean-shaven skin, especially in healthcare settings where hygiene is critical.
One widely cited 2019 study compared bacterial loads in men's beards to dog fur and found that bearded men had significantly higher microbial counts than dogs. All 18 men showed high bacterial counts, while only 23 of 30 dogs did. The study also found that 39% of men harbored potentially harmful bacteria in their beards compared to 13% of dogs. Interestingly, this research was designed to determine whether dogs could safely use human MRI scanners, not to judge beard hygiene. [9]
However, other hospital-based studies tell a different story. One hospital-based study examined 80 male healthcare workers, 61 with beards and 19 without. Almost everyone had bacterial growth on their facial skin, but surprisingly, non-bearded men showed slightly higher bacterial counts in some samples. In fact, 52.6% of clean-shaven healthcare workers carried Staphylococcus aureus (a major cause of hospital infections) compared to only 41.2% of bearded workers. The researchers concluded that microbial presence was common in both groups and depended more on personal hygiene than on having facial hair. [1]
In another study, scientists reviewed over 20,000 hip and knee replacement surgeries to check if surgeons with beards caused more surgical site infections (SSIs). The results showed no difference at all in infection rates between bearded and clean-shaven surgeons. In other words, having a beard did not increase patient infection risk.[2]
Beards create warm, moist environments where food debris and oils can accumulate, ideal conditions for microbial growth. [3,4] These microbes thrive not just because of these conditions, but also from constant exposure to contaminants, especially from hands that frequently touch surfaces and the face. The issue is not simply the presence of microbes, but rather the types of microbes and whether beards are neglected.
The skin beneath a beard is rich in blood vessels, nerve endings, and immune cells, making it highly sensitive to microbial and environmental stressors. When sebum, dead skin, food debris, and pollutants accumulate, they can irritate the skin and fuel fungal and bacterial growth. [3]
Beards can sometimes harbor specific skin conditions. Impetigo, a contagious rash often caused by Staphylococcus aureus commonly found in facial hair, can spread through beards. In rare cases, parasites like pubic lice, which usually live in the groin area, can show up in beards, eyebrows, or eyelashes, particularly with poor hygiene or close contact with an infected person. Additionally, unclean beards can lead to folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or general skin irritation. [3,10]
More recent early-stage research also looked into microbes that form spores in beard hair — tiny, resistant structures that survive cleaning — but these findings are still preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed. [5]
So, are beards dirty?
No, not if they’re clean.
Studies show that microbes exist on everyone’s skin, regardless of facial hair. The difference lies in hygiene. Poorly maintained beards may collect dirt or dead skin, but regular washing and grooming remove most bacteria.
Beards are part of the normal human ecosystem. Like scalp or skin microbiota, they contain a mix of harmless and beneficial microbes. Infection risk rises only when hygiene is ignored or when someone works in high-risk environments like hospitals.
Beards are not inherently unhygienic — microbes live on all skin, with or without facial hair.
Historical research from over 50 years ago suggested beards could retain bacteria even after washing, but modern studies show more nuanced results.
Some studies found bearded men harbor more microbes than dogs, while hospital-based research showed bearded healthcare workers were actually less likely to carry certain harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
Research shows no link between beards and increased surgical or health-related infections.
Hygiene practices, not the presence of a beard, determine cleanliness.
Beards create warm, moist environments ideal for microbial growth, especially when neglected.
Poorly maintained beards can harbor specific conditions like impetigo, pubic lice (rarely), folliculitis, or cause skin irritation.
Preliminary studies suggest some microbes can persist on beard hair, but evidence is limited.
Good grooming and washing habits are the best defence.
Wash your beard daily
Use a gentle face wash or beard shampoo to remove oil, sweat, and dust. Avoid harsh soaps that can dry out the skin.
Dry it properly
Moist environments encourage microbial growth. After washing, pat your beard dry with a clean towel.
Trim regularly
Trimming helps prevent buildup of dirt and dead skin while keeping the beard neat.
Comb it out
Using a clean beard comb prevents tangling and distributes natural oils evenly, reducing bacterial hotspots.
Avoid touching your beard frequently
Hands carry germs, and frequent touching transfers them to facial hair.
Disinfect grooming tools
Clean razors, trimmers, and combs regularly to prevent bacterial transfer.
Maintain a healthy skin routine
Exfoliate gently once a week to remove dead skin under the beard, which can trap microbes.
Avoid over-washing or harsh products
Over-washing and harsh soaps can strip the skin's natural protective oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Mask hygiene in healthcare
For healthcare workers or lab professionals, ensure proper mask fit over facial hair and follow aseptic standards.
Beards can host microbes — but so can any part of your skin. Having a beard does not make you unhygienic. What truly matters is how well you maintain it.
Regular cleaning, trimming, and mindful care can keep your beard healthy and free from unwanted bacteria. So, if you’re proud of your facial hair, keep it — just keep it clean.
El Edelbi M, Hassanieh J, Malaeb N, Abou Fayad A, Jaafar RF, Sleiman A, Abedelrahim A, Kanafani Z, Matar GM, Zaghal A. Facial microbial flora in bearded versus nonbearded men in the operating room setting: A single-center cross-sectional STROBE-compliant observational study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Oct 7;101(40):e29565. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029565. PMID: 36221334; PMCID: PMC9542990.
Brodt S, Maurer J, Nowack D, Brodt G, Strube P, Matziolis G. A Retrospective Analysis of the Association Between Male Facial Hair and the Incidence of Peri-Prosthetic Infections. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2023 Jun;24(5):482-487. doi: 10.1089/sur.2023.073. Epub 2023 May 24. PMID: 37222729.
Chhibber, P. “Beards and Microbes: What the Evidence Shows.” The Indian Express, July 17, 2024.
MedicineNet News Desk. “Beards and Microbes: What the Evidence Shows.” MedicineNet, July 20, 2024.
Okwelle AA,Amadi-Ikpa CN. “Microbes Associated with Beard Hair and Their Spore Formation Capacity.” World Journal of Biomedical Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.61784/wjbs3001
Bever, Lindsey. "No, Your Beard Isn't Full of Poop (Probably)." The Washington Post, May 4, 2015. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/05/04/no-your-beard-isnt-full-of-poop-probably/
Evershed, Nick. "Beards Are Covered in Poo, Says Science (Not Really, Though)." The Guardian, May 5, 2015. Referenced in multiple sources debunking the toilet/beard bacteria claim.
Freestone, Primrose. "Just How Dirty Are Beards? Here's The Science." The Conversation, June 11, 2025. (Historical context on 50+ year concerns about facial hair and bacteria retention)
Gutzeit, Andreas, et al. "Would It Be Safe to Have a Dog in the MRI Scanner Before Your Own Examination? A Multicenter Study to Establish Hygiene Facts Related to Dogs and Men." European Radiology 29, no. 2 (February 2019): 527-534. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5648-z
Cleveland Clinic. "Folliculitis: Appearance, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment." August 30, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17692-folliculitis
Edited by M Subha Maheswari
