All you need to know for hairy tanning.
In 1698, Peter I of Russia instituted a beard tax to bring Russian society to European modernity. Similar to the tax created in England by Henry VIII in 1535, this levy was graduated according to the social position of the bearer and exposed any offender to a public and humiliating shave. In those remote times, beards were a "useless burden" that were worn as a sort of token. By having facial hair, Slavic bearded men were testifying to their paying the tax.
This tax has fortunately disappeared. Today, even die-hard fans of facial hair pay their tribute to the Sun King every summer by shaving their beards before working on their summer tan. In case you too want a clean shave when summer is over, we want to help you avoid sporting a two-tone beard tan. Trust us when we say it’s better to spend the summer with your face uncovered. Leave the tan lines to truckers and cyclists.
On the other hand, if you’ve been hesitant about keeping your beard, there are many good reasons to do so.
Natural protection
Besides the aesthetic benefits to your complexion and the jealousy of your colleagues, having a beard also helps shield your skin from the sun. To protect against the risks caused by exposure to its rays, you can count on your beard. One study conducted by the Australian University of Southern Queensland and published in the journal Radiation Protection Dosimetry found that our hair actually filters between 50 and 95% of ultraviolet rays. In other words, it’s a proven fact that your facial hair forms a protective barrier for your skin, preventing it from burning. The thickest beards offer a protection index close to 20 (!!).
Having a beard has several advantages: it protects the skin from environmental threats and attacks (think salt, chlorine, UV, razor burn, etc.), and slows down ageing. Note that a close shave is not recommended in case of sunburn.
It also slows down the evaporation of sweat, letting you take advantage of the slightest breeze to cool off. The myth that it would keep you warmer is nothing more than a seaside legend.
Preparing for summer
If your first summer decision will be to get rid of your beard: you should ideally keep it up until September for obvious aesthetic reasons. Opting for a short beard of only a few days is also a stylish idea: while most people are letting themselves go during the holidays, you will distinguish yourself by your well-groomed beard.
Maintaining some stubble will also help you to rest your skin while leaving it open to the benefits of the sun. It also has the advantage of being easy to shave, trim, or regrow. You’ll be able to follow your facial hair desires without difficulty. Related note: keep in mind that summer is not a good time to bleach your beard.
In the case of a longer pruning, be aware that, in summer, your hair typically grows twice as fast since your blood circulation is boosted during the warmer season. This means you’ll need to think about maintaining your beard on a more regular basis if you wanted to upkeep a nice shape. Trimming every ten days, rather than every three weeks in winter, is a reasonable pace. For all the reasons listed above, we totally understand if you’d rather stick to your long beard and your originality.
A light daily care
Summer exposes your beard to three inconveniences: dehydration, dust, and perspiration, in addition to sand, salt and chlorine. The latter factors are particularly treacherous. Keep in mind that sea salt and sun exposure accelerates the drying out of your facial hair. What’s more, chlorine is an aggressor that lifts the hair cuticles, making them rough and very brittle to the touch. It also strips its sebum and keratin, two important keys to your body’s natural hair protection.
This is why you must rinse your beard daily to cleanse away impurities using suitable products. Beard care is a necessity for those with bears longer than 2 cm. As soon as it reaches that length, wash it twice a week (or more, depending on your level of activities). Beard Shampoo and Beard Oil will be your best friends. They work to moisturise your hair and soften it.
To sum it up, whatever kind of beard you choose this summer, don’t forget to avoid products with alcoholic formulas since they’re really drying. Unless, of course, it's a cocktail.