Can You Tan Underneath Your Beard?

Can You Tan Underneath Your Beard?

Guides & Advice

Photos Louis Canadas

Words Camille Claudet

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Does body hair limit tanning?

In the summertime, having a beard can become a dilemma. For those who sport one regularly, you might be asking yourself: should I get rid of it? It's true that beards keep you warm. Above all, is it possible to tan under your beard? We’re answering this question so you can make the right choice.

A natural shield

The beard is a major ally against the harmful effects of the sun. It works a real natural UV shield. According to a study from the Australian University of Southern Queensland (where the sun shines strongly), your facial hair protection could offer a sun protection index of 20, depending on how thick it is. If you have stubble, it's best to stick to your sunscreen. On the other hand, this protection leaves little room for tanning. So avoid shaving when you return from vacation, otherwise you might reveal a face with two skin shades.

Make a choice… and stick to it!

At the beginning of the holidays, several possibilities are available to you. Go for the style that suits you and keep it to avoid any unfortunate tanlines between your cheeks and the rest of your face.

You can completely separate yourself from your beard by shaving in order to reveal an even tan. Obviously, for a bearded man, it can be difficult to imagine being shaved. Some see it as a fresh start. And why not?

If you can't bring yourself to shave it off completely, consider other options. You can opt for a shorter trim, like stubble. This will allow the sun's rays to make their way through your hair, and you can tan. Be careful, however: when mercury rises, your hair grows back more quickly than usual: the radiation from the sun accelerates blood circulation and therefore growth.

Special care

If, on the other hand, you decide to keep it as long as usual, note that beards require special care in summer. After each swim, adopt the reflex of rinsing your beard with water. Salt and chlorine coupled with sun exposure dry out your hair and strip your skin’s protective hydrolipidic film barrier. 2 to 3 evenings a week, use a beard shampoo to restore shine to the hair. You should also moisturise it with a beard oil that nourishes and softens the beard.

Your beard will survive the summer.

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