Beard Liberation Front
2nd April
Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266
Beard Campaigners praise medics who shave their beards to care for COVID-19 patients
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has praised medics who shave their beards so they can safely wear masks in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
The campaigners say that while there are masks that can now be worn with a beard, the discussion on that is for another time. The key thing now is to ensure an adequate supply of masks and if that means the beard has got to go, it’s got to go.
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, we get asked questions about medics and beards frequently. While we are normally about promoting the growth of facial hair in current circumstances those who shave their beards so they can safely wear masks have our full support. They can always grow the beard back later.
Guidance for Beard Wearers who need to wear masks
If you’re trying to protect yourself from airborne germs by using a face mask, facial hair is definitely a concern. With masks, particularly N95 respirators, a tight fit is crucial. Facial hair can render a mask ineffective if the hair isn’t allowing the mask to create the secure seal
This guidance comes from two US experts:
Suzanne Willard, PhD, APN-c, Associate Dean of Global Health at Rutgers School of Nursing
Sara Hogan, MD, MHS, Dermatologist and Health Sciences Clinical Instructor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
There are certain facial hairstyles that are more conducive to masks, and the CDC has a handy infographic showing styles that are better for allowing a tight seal.
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