Make sure you give that a thorough scrub, sir

The beard revolution may be at its peak – but an investigation by microbiologists has warned a proud display of facial hair could be dirtier than a toilet.

Anyone who’s anyone is sporting a beard these days, but maybe the trend is cause for concern.

Microbiologist John Golobic, of Quest Diagnostics in New Mexico, swabbed a number of beards searching for bacteria.

He said: ‘I’m usually not surprised, and I was surprised by this.’


Several beards contained normal bacteria, but some contained so much poo they were comparable to toilets.

If there were similar samples in the water system, the scientist said it would have to be shut down for disinfecting.



‘Those are the types of things you’d find in (fecal matter),’ Mr Golobic said.

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And although none of the levels were enough to cause illness, the microbiologist said: ‘There would be a degree of uncleanliness that would be somewhat disturbing.’

Lots of hand washing and thorough beard scrubbing is the key, gents.

And Mr Golobic added: ‘Try to keep your hands away from your face, as much as possible,” he said.

*Goes for a quick shave*