Beat the Heat with These Beard Basics

WAIT! Stop what you are doing. There is still hope for beating the heat with a beard.

Such a sad day indeed when you see such young beards cut down before they could reach their prime. So many new Beards are being shaved off because they “Think” it will keep them cooler. However, that is far from the truth. We just do not grow enough hair for heat to affect our body temperature.

We just do not grow enough hair for heat to affect our body temperature

“According to a study titled Hair Density, Wind Speed, and Heat Loss in Mammals, skin needs to be covered by at least 1,000 hairs per square centimeter in order for the hair to effectively reduce heat loss: That’s the same as a rabbit’s pelt — for comparison, the average adult human head has only 200 to 300 hairs per square centimeter.”

Another study from National Institute of health examined hair influenced heat extraction from the head during head cooling under heat stress? The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of head hair on thermoregulatory responses when cooling the head under heat stress. The results may surprise you, there were no significant differences were found in heat flow between the normal and cropped hair conditions at all water temperatures.

Well doesn’t that paint a different picture. Show how do we stay cool then. If shedding hair is not the answer, what do we do to stay cool? The Beard Struggle has got the answer.

Keep it Hydrated

I cannot stress this enough; you should be hydrating. My time in the Military has taught me many things, one of which was how not to die of a heat stroke in the middle of a desert called Afghanistan. Hydration was a key factor when it came to surviving temperatures upwards of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. You also have to remember we were wearing Body Armor, Kevlar Helmets, Weapons, Rucksacks (Military Backpacks), and with a full compliment of ammunition. Yet somehow, we survived. Drink water, plenty of it. However not so much that you actually flush out all your electrolytes. See, your body actually needs salt. So. practice moderation, eat water-based food like cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, watermelon, kiwi, and apples.

Keep it Clean

Keep your beard clean. There is no doubt about it, you are going to sweat. The increased heat combined with the likelihood of you being more active during the summer months, means sweat will collect under your beard. This combined with your normal shedding of skin cells can lead to a buildup, resulting in dryness and irritation. Not adhering to proper beard care will lead you to scratching at your face, causing more irritation, and thus more itching. The end result is damage to your beard.

Keep it Moist

It is important to keep your beard well-oiled. It is a well-known fact that Sunlight dries out beards. Now that may not be alarming in the winter months or days of overcast. However, during the summer the sun just loves to shine. The likelihood of you being out in the sun for a prolonged period of time is higher. By adding a beard oil to your daily routine, you can diminish drying process.

Keep it Styled

Heat and humidity can do some weird stuff to hair. With it collecting sweat like it is going out of style, there is a chance your beard will become tangled. By using a beard brush to brush out any tangles that may have formed you can keep from pulling out beard hairs saving you from damaging your beard and saving the pain that we bearded men know and hate.