The Dos and Don'ts of Eating with a Beard
Beards are a natural and often celebrated feature of masculinity, but having a beard often comes with some unique challenges. One of the most notable difficulties for our bearded brothers is eating. Whether it's a casual meal or a formal dinner, eating with a beard can be challenging at the best of times. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why eating with a beard can be difficult, as well as some tips for how to mitigate these challenges.
THE CHALLENGES
One of the most obvious reasons why eating with a beard can be difficult is the risk of food getting caught in your beard hair on its journey to your mouth. It's not uncommon for small bits of food to get caught in your beard during a meal, which can be both unappealing and unsanitary.
Depending on the type of food being consumed, it can be challenging to clean out the beard thoroughly, leading to lingering odors and even staining. Think chicken wings or ribs. Seriously, depending on the volume and or type of sticky food being consumed a shower may be required in some cases, it can be that bad.
Is that beardruff or breadcrumbs in my beard?
BEARD HAIR, FRIEND, OR FOE?
Another issue that you may experience while eating with a beard is the potential for the hair to get in the way of utensils or the mouth itself. Longer beards can be quite unwieldy during a meal, making it difficult to get food into the mouth or to manage utensils without grabbing a few beard hairs along the way. This can be especially problematic for foods that require a lot of manipulation or that are messy, such as soups and sauces.
If you have a large beard there is a very good chance you are eating a small amount of beard hair with each meal. Not to worry, you get used to constantly moving and adjusting your beard and mustache during mealtime. It becomes, habit forming.
PROFESSIONAL SETTINGS
Beards can also be a problem during social situations, such as formal dinners or business lunches. A well-maintained beard can be a hallmark of professionalism and masculinity, but a beard that is unkempt or has food stuck in it can be seen as unprofessional and unsightly to say the least.
This can be a source of anxiety for those with beards, as they may feel self-conscious about their appearance during these situations. The best advise in these situations is to eat light and easy to mange foods. Make sure you are cutting your food into small bite sized portions to avoid contact with your beard.
HAVE NO FEAR
Despite these challenges, there are some tips and tricks that our bearded brothers can use to make eating more comfortable and manageable.
One of the most effective strategies is to keep your beard trimmed and clean. Regular grooming and maintenance can help to prevent food from getting caught in the beard hair and can also make it easier to manage utensils during a meal.
Open wide! Yes, that right, make sure you are opening your mouth as wide as possible to avoid touching your beard or mustache. This won't work with all foods but honestly, getting used to opening your mouth as wide as you can while eating will help a lot!
Keep your food portions small and bite sized. The smaller the food the easier it will be to handle and there will be less chance of touching your glorious mane.
In fact, keeping the portions small and opening your mouth as wide as you can will give you amazing results! This is what I do, and it is highly effective. Can it be a little embarrassing at times? Yes. Having said that, I honestly believe my beard is a good indicator to folks as to why I might be cutting up my pork ribs into bite sized pieces, rather than eating them off the bone.
Then there is the obvious, use a napkin or handkerchief to wipe your beard regularly during a meal. Wet wipes work great as well. This can help to remove any food that may have become lodged in your beard hair, as well as to prevent any lingering odors or staining. It's also a good idea to keep a small comb or brush on hand to tidy up the beard before and after a meal. A little dab of beard oil can also help to rejuvenate and refresh your beard. This is especially true if you are using a wet wipe or soap and water to clean your beard after a meal.
When it comes to social situations, it's important to be mindful of one's appearance and to take steps to ensure that your beard looks neat and tidy. This may include using styling products like beard balm or beard butter to keep the hair in place or even wearing a beard net during particularly messy meals. Wicked Beard Company offers the wickedest beard products on the market! It's also important to be confident and comfortable in one's own skin, regardless of any potential social stigmas or judgments. Be proud of your beard and the steps that you are taking to protect it!
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, eating with a beard can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Ultimately you may find that there are foods you simply avoid while growing a large beard or find the technique you use to eat certain food changes. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make mealtime more comfortable and less stressful.
Maintaining a well-groomed and clean beard, being mindful of one's appearance during social situations, and choosing foods that are less messy can all help to make eating with a beard a more enjoyable experience. It's also important to remember that having a beard is a personal choice, and it's up to the individual to decide what level of maintenance and care they are willing to put in. With a beard, a little bit of work and maintenance goes a long way.
It's worth noting that not everyone with a beard experiences the same challenges when eating. Some people may find that their beard doesn't get in the way or that they are able to manage any food that gets caught in their beard hair with ease. However, for many people, eating with a beard is a daily struggle that can be both frustrating and embarrassing.
Ultimately, the decision to grow and maintain a beard is a personal one. While there are some challenges associated with eating with a beard, many people feel that the benefits of having facial hair far outweigh any difficulties. From a sense of pride and masculinity to the admiration of others, a well-groomed beard can be a source of joy and self-confidence for many individuals. In short, beards can be wicked!
Stay Wicked brothers!
