Can You Scuba Dive with a Beard?


Can You Scuba Dive With a Beard?

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Having a beard is in right now, so much so that bearded men can’t imagine how they’d look shaved up. To be honest, for some men, beards do add extra attractiveness. That said, it can be hard to imagine scuba diving with all that facial hair. So, can you scuba dive with a beard?

The answer is yes, you can. Having a beard shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the activities you love, especially scuba diving. Given that you choose a mask that fits right and follows all precautions, scuba diving with a beard wouldn’t be a problem.

Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about scuba diving with a beard, and what to do to ensure a safe dive.

Can You Scuba Dive With a Beard?

I want to assure you it’s completely fine to go scuba diving with a beard. So, you might want to put the “I have to shave my beard” issue to the side and pay more attention to what you do have to do.

First, what could possibly be the issue with a bearded man scuba diving? Well, among many things, it’s mostly the thick mustache. You see, the hair, especially that little patch under the nostrils, prevents the mask from sealing properly around your eyes and nose area.

As a result, water seeps through your facial hair and gets inside your mask, which can be distracting. Not to mention that you’ll spend half of the dive time clearing your scuba mask. That’s why it’s really essential to know what to do when you, as a bearded guy, go scuba diving.

Of course, we’re addressing the kind of beards that are thick and accompanied by a mustache. Styles like goatees, chin puffs, and chin straps shouldn’t cause any issues with scuba diving.

There are a few solutions to choose from, all of which have had great successes with bearded scuba divers.

Solution #1: Seal Your Beard

This is one of the simplest hacks to ensure that your mustache and beard hair don’t leak water to the inside of your scuba mask. Literally, any substance that isn’t water-soluble works great for sealing your beard. You just need to experiment with how much you need to apply and where.

I know the first thing that pops into your mind is Vaseline. Yes, it’s a great sealant, and it’s also water-resistant. However, stay away from it. That’s because all petroleum-based grease, such as Vaseline, weakens the silicon and can damage your mask. Instead, you can use:

  • Natural beeswax
  • Cuticle cream
  • Beard balm
  • CHRISTO-LUBE
  • Silicon grease

Solution #2: Get a Better Mask

Scuba masks aren’t all the same. That’s why investing in a high-quality mask can save you the hassle of shaving your dear beard. I know people get attached to the mask that they’re used to, but sometimes you just have to choose between two things you love.

Some masks fit better around your eyes than others. Some even have softer skirts that would seal against your facial hair. So, investing in a new mask that fits your face shape without having to pull on the strap too tightly is a great idea.

Regardless of having a beard or not, it should be a priority to purchase a good scuba mask. A well-fitted scuba mask stays in place when you look down even without the straps on. That’s done by the vacuum created by breathing in through your nose while having the mask on.

Solution #3: Shave the Bit Under Your Nose

Scuba masks seal right under your nostrils. That’s why all you need to do if you have a bushy mustache is shave those little hairs under your nose, where your mask comes into contact with your mustache. This ensures a better seal without having to get rid of your beard.

However, it only works if you have an upper lip area that’s a bit large. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a slim pencil mustache that might not be of your liking.

Solution #4: Get a Full Face Mask

A full-face scuba mask works great, as it creates a seal around your whole face. However, this is the most expensive solution for diving with a beard. It can be a good fix for the problem, only if you’ve tried everything and still failed to prevent the leakage.

That’s because, with full-face masks, leakage isn’t a problem. They come with a one-way valve that traps the water away from your mouth and pushes it out when you breathe.

These kinds of masks need special training to use them, but it shouldn’t be much of a problem. Additionally, if you’re feeling spendy, purchase a communication device to install inside the face mask. It allows you to verbally communicate with other divers.

Be careful though, as there are many knock-offs in the market. Not only are they low-quality, but they also can be dangerous to use. That’s due to the fact that they’re not properly designed, which may lead to carbon dioxide building up on the inside.

The downside of having a full face mask is that it might not be suitable for huge beards. If you were to tuck your beard inside for a better seal around your face, it might not fit properly causing poor visibility.

Solution #5: Just Roll With It

This may not be a practical solution, but it’s a hassle-free one. If you’re already at your diving destination, you don’t want to shave, and you’re not looking to buy a new scuba mask, just roll with it.

Tighten your mask a bit and clear it now and then. In fact, this could be a great solution, especially for short dives. So, stop worrying about it, just look up, breathe out, and keep enjoying your dive.

Solution #6: Shave it Off

Well, it’s still an option and you can’t ignore it. Yes, it could be an extreme measure for some, but for others, it’s just one of the easiest solutions. I mean, it’s alright, hair grows back.

That said, this doesn’t work for those who dive more frequently and like to keep their beard. As for those who dive occasionally, it’s a quick and simple fix that doesn’t require spending too much money or time.

What Other Problems Arise When You Scuba Dive With a Beard?

It’s not all about mask leakage, as there are other problems related to diving with a beard you may encounter. Those problems include:

  • A frizzy beard due to saltwater drying it out
  • Dry hair and skin due to sun exposure combined with salt water
  • Irritation caused by the silicon pulling on your beard hair
  • Damage to the scuba mask is caused by a badly grown or pointy beard
  • Issues with visibility, as long beards can get in the way

Proper Facial Hair Care for Divers

Taking care of your beard before as well as after diving is really essential to avoid many problems, like leakage, irritation, discomfort, and so on. These issues happen, especially if you have sensitive skin that may develop a hard-to-get-rid-of rash due to friction and saltwater.

Additionally, a mask that’s too tight or too loose can affect the growth of your beard, especially if you’re not caring for it properly. This causes it to grow all messed up, and you might eventually end up shaving it.

I know what you’re thinking. “Using products isn’t something manly men do”. Believe me, if you fail to tend to your “face-warmer,” it can be impossible getting it back to normal after it’s ruined.

Here are a few tips on how to take care of your beard:

  1. Wash your beard with warm, fresh water right after each scuba dive. This will take care of all the leftover salt lingering in there between the hairs.
  2. Use beard oil to moisturize your facial hair. There are tons of brands in the market to choose from. So, ask around and read the reviews to know which one will suit you best.
  3. Make sure that all the products you’re using are 100% natural, just in case you use them before a dive. You wouldn’t want to negatively affect the environment.
  4. Secure your long beard using a hair band to keep it away from your scope of vision.
  5. Apply beard oil after diving to rehydrate your skin as well as beard hair and keep it healthy.
  6. Comb your beard after applying the oil using an anti-static beard comb.

How to Keep Your Long Beard Out of the Way While Diving?

Long beards don’t only get in your way and obstruct your vision, but they also can be extremely dangerous. That’s because they can get stuck on something or get wrapped around something, which is terribly hazardous.

So, if your beard is longer than usual and you don’t feel like trimming it, you have only two options. The first one, as mentioned before, is using hair ties, and I mean lots of them. Use a few bands to tie your beard with approximately an inch between each one and the other.

That way you make sure that your beard stays in one bundle. Even if it moves, it’s still easier to manage than a beard on the loose.

The second option, which is way better if you ask me, is wearing a dive hood. A dive hood’s primary function is keeping your head warm. That’s because divers lose almost 60% of their body heat through their heads.

For bearded men, a dive hood also secures their beards in place. It can feel a bit uncomfortable, however, it’s the safest option to ensure that your beard isn’t posing any kind of danger to you.

A Final Thought

The last thing any bearded man would want to do is shave his beard. After growing it for too long, it becomes a part of the person’s personality.

When it comes to scuba diving with a beard, the biggest issue is the hair getting in the way of your mask’s seal. A poor seal causes water to leak inside your scuba mask and this can be really irritating.

That’s why you should consider one of the previous fixes, like shaving a bit of the mustache, using a sealant, getting a full face mask, and so forth. Whichever solution you decide to go with, you’re definitely going to enjoy your dive.

Jack Thompson

Jack Thompson, a scuba diving enthusiast from San Diego, has spent over a decade exploring the underwater world across the globe. Sharing his passion through captivating stories and informative articles, Jack aims to inspire others to embark on their own scuba diving adventures and uncover the ocean's hidden treasures. Follow Jack on Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, and Facebook or email him at Jack@diving-info.com

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