Facial hair has certainly made a comeback. It seems like more men are sporting beards and mustaches than ever before. According to The Modern Gentleman, over 33% of men in America have some form of facial hair, while over 56% of men across the globe have facial hair. An astonishing 79.6% of men who can grow a beard say that having a beard considers them more attractive, and boosts their self-confidence. Did you know that clean-shaven men are more prone to infections on their faces because they have more area for bacteria to grow? If you love your beard or mustache, and you also have a passion for snorkeling, it’s time to ask yourself one question. Can you snorkel with a beard or a mustache?
Let’s see what types of methods you can use to create a seal for your mask if you want to be able to snorkel with a beard or a mustache. We will also discuss some of the problems that are associated with snorkeling with facial hair, as well as discover a few tips and tricks that men with facial hair use when they want to go snorkeling. Finally, I will also provide you with a list of the best masks to use when snorkeling with a beard or a mustache.
How Can I Create a Seal For My Mask If I Have Facial Hair?
Ensuring that your mask has a good fit and a proper seal is one of the most important aspects of snorkeling. If your mask does not fit well or has a tight seal, this can spell disaster for your snorkeling trip, which may also lead to serious harm or injury to yourself. If you are not particularly thrilled with the idea of having to shave your beard or mustache, relax. There are a couple of things that you can do to create a better seal for your mask while keeping your facial hair as well.
The first suggestion that I can offer you is to create a temporary seal for your mask that should not be used over a prolonged time. A temporary solution to your facial hair problem can be solved with one simple ingredient, although I cannot place enough emphasis on the fact that you should not use this as a permanent solution. You can rub Vaseline around the outer rubber seal of your snorkeling goggles, as well as rub it on your entire beard. This will create a temporary seal between your facial hair in your mask, although long-term use well leads to your mask being ruined.
The next method that you can use to create a seal between your face and your snorkeling mask is a much more permanent solution than using Vaseline. Applying a small bead of food-grade silicone completely around the rubber part of your mask will create a permanent seal that will not do any unnecessary damage to your mask. Many snorkelers prefer this method because it does not damage their equipment, nor do they have to apply a layer of Vaseline across their beards.
What Are Some of the Problems With Snorkeling While Having Facial Hair?
One of the most obvious problems associated with snorkeling while having facial hair is that mean mask will not fit or create a proper seal. If there is a tight seal between your face and your mask, there is very little chance of water being able to leak into your mask. If your facial hair prevents your mask from creating a good seal with your face, it will inevitably allow saltwater to enter the mask. This could potentially cause harm to your eyes and face. It can also be quite irritating as well.
If you find that you are having trouble creating a tight seal between your face and your snorkeling mask, you will need to assess the type of mask you are currently using, regardless of your facial hair. This could lead to you having to purchase a new snorkeling mask. There are a few questions that you will need to ask yourself when deciding on a snorkeling mask that is a perfect fit for you. The first question that you should ask is whether or not you have a mustache for a beard or both. Next, you should determine whether or not the mask can be modified to create a better seal for you. Finally, ask yourself what type of mask is best for you.
How long can you stay underwater with a snorkel? Find out here.
What Are Some Tips and Tricks You Can Use To Snorkel With Facial Hair?
If you are anything like me and refuse to shave your facial hair for just about anything, there are a few tips and tricks that you are going to need to master before snorkeling with a beard or a mustache. The first thing that you need to do is to choose a mask that works best for you. I will include a section in this article on the best masks for men who want to snorkel and keep their facial hair as well. A full-face mask will probably work best if you do not want to part with your facial hair.
Secondly, you need to create a seal for your mask before entering the water. This will prevent water from entering your mask, limiting your vision, and possibly causing harm to your eyes. Be sure to use food-grade silicone while creating a seal for your snorkeling mask, as Vaseline can be harmful to the mask over an extended period. I’m sure that I am correct assuming that is the last thing that you want to do is to your mask and end up having to replace it, right?
Next, you need to be sure that your facial hair matches your mask. This means that your facial hair must match the profile of your mask. Facial hair can create a gap between the mask and your face, allowing the water to into the mask and possibly harm your eyes. This is something that you probably do not want to hear, but you may have to trim your facial hair for it to properly fit the profile of the mask. However, there is a bright side to trimming your facial hair. Your significant other may thank you for it.
Although the fourth tip does not have much to do with facial hair, it is a safety precaution that should be taken by all of those who like to snorkel. Again, this is another tip that can protect your eyes when you are snorkeling. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before going under the water. Getting water in your eyes can be an uncomfortable experience, although it is especially irritating if you wear contact lenses. Your vision might be less than perfect, but it is not worth the irritation that comes with wearing contact lenses while snorkeling.
If all else fails, a final suggestion that I can offer you is to make the switch to swimming goggles. Snorkeling masks are a better fit for snorkeling as the name would indicate. These masks cover more areas of your face, protecting it better than swimming goggles. They are also known for creating a better seal around your face as well. However, if you have a significant amount of facial hair, it could be preventing your snorkeling mask from creating the necessary seal. Switching to swimming goggles may be the only solution you have unless you want to shave your beard or mustache.
What Are the Best Masks for Snorkeling With Facial Hair?
So, here we are. We have covered a few of the problems that you may encounter if your mask does not create a proper seal with your face. If you refuse to shave your face and find yourself in the market for a new snorkeling mask, I am happy to report that I have done my research, and I have found some of the best snorkeling masks available. Most of these masks are full-face masks, will be a perfect fit for those who are insistent on keeping their facial hair, but also love the underwater thrill that snorkeling provides.
According to the website Coral Nomad, here are a couple of the best snorkeling masks for people with facial hair:
● The best all-around snorkeling mask for those who have facial hair is the TUSA M-32 Imprex 3D Hyperdry. This snorkeling mask has a reputation for being solid but is also lightweight. This mask also has a panoramic field of view and is brought to you by a respected manufacturer.
● If you are on a budget, yet have a beard or a mustache, the PROMATE Side-view Edgeless is the right mask for you. This mask is a solid option for those with facial hair, although it is not the sleekest mask ever made.
Conclusion
If you have a beard or a mustache, you can still go snorkeling as long as you find the proper mask. Your mask must create a seal between the rubber that surrounds the mask and your face. If you cannot find a mask that is capable of creating that seal, you can create a seal on your existing mask. One temporary solution for creating a seal on your mask is by using Vaseline, although that is not recommended for long-term use. Vaseline tends to destroy snorkeling masks, and it’s just not worth the trouble that you will encounter in the long run.
If you prefer, you can also create a seal on your mask by using food-grade silicone around the outer edges of your mask. Perhaps the biggest issue facing those with facial hair who like to snorkel is the leaking that they encounter through their masks due to the lack of a good seal. I would recommend purchasing a full face mask that fits your face perfectly. Be sure to find a mask that matches your face. If all else fails, you can always make the switch to swimming goggles. While they may not work as well as snorkeling masks, they will do in a pinch.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.