Wearing a mask doesn't mean you have to trim your beard

There's no need to trim your beard if you wear a cloth mask to protect yourself and others from coronavirus infection. There's no need to trim your beard if you wear a cloth mask to protect yourself and others from coronavirus infection. Photo: RyanJLane/Getty Images Photo: RyanJLane/Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Wearing a mask doesn't mean you have to trim your beard 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

This article has been updated to reflect that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its guidance regarding the use of face masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19. It also clarifies that a CDC-branded infographic regarding beards and N95 mask wear that was widely circulated in the early stages of the pandemic was not created in response to the virus.

Men wearing cloth masks to guard against COVID-19 need not trim their beards.

Beard hair can interfere with a face piece respirator such as an N95 mask, preventing an airtight seal, which is critical for effective protection of medical personnel. But N95 masks should be reserved for hospital workers and first responders because of limited supplies.

If you already own a valved N95 mask, say from a previous fire season, you shouldn't wear it unless the valve is blocked with cloth or tape. Left open, it protects you, but anyone you come in contact with could be infected.

In February an outdated, CDC-branded infographic showing what kinds of beards were compatible with N95 masks was misrepresented as a guidance for safeguarding against the coronavirus and widely circulated. In fact, the graphic was released a few years ago by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The CDC did not, and does not, recommend that men shave their beards to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

At the time, the CDC was recommending that non-medical people not wear face coverings at all even as the epidemic was spreading. The agency reversed itself on April 3, citing studies showing asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission of the virus. It now calls for people to wear cloth masks in public — not so much to protect themselves but to protect others.

Over the last few months, numerous studies have shown that the widespread use of masks effectively slows the spread of COVID-19.

Carrie L. Kovarik, associate professor of dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, told the Philadelphia Inquirer there is currently no evidence that shaving will help prevent you from getting the coronavirus.

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Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Digital Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate