Bro, here are 4 benefits of long hair and curly hair for men

1. Helps protect skin from sun exposure

One of the biological functions of hair is as a natural protector for the body. Hair on the head helps reduce direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays on the scalp. This is important because the scalp is an area that is often exposed to sunlight, especially in people who have thin hair or are bald.

Excessive exposure to UV rays is known to increase the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Longer, thicker hair can provide an additional protective effect by reducing the amount of radiation that reaches the surface of the skin.

The same thing applies to beards. Areas of the face such as the chin, jaw and part of the neck become slightly more protected from the sun when covered by facial hair. Research shows that facial hair can reduce some of the exposure to ultraviolet radiation that hits the skin.

Of course, this protection does not mean a person does not need sunscreen. Sunscreen remains the main protection, while hair and beard are only an additional layer of protection.

Ironically, humans spend a lot of money on various skin care products, even though the body already carries natural “protective accessories” from the start. The problem is, humans are also experts at neglecting hygiene care so that these biological benefits sometimes turn into nests of oil and dust if they are not cared for.

2. Helps maintain body temperature and protects the skin

Hair is not just decoration. Hair functions as a natural blanket that helps reduce heat loss from the body. In cold weather, hair can help maintain temperature around the scalp. Even though the effect is not as big as wearing a hat or warm clothes, the presence of hair still contributes to the body’s temperature regulation system.

Meanwhile, a beard can also help reduce direct wind exposure on facial skin. In areas with cold temperatures, facial hair can create a thin layer of air that helps retain warmth.

In addition, hair and beards also function as mechanical protection. Dust, small particles and light friction do not directly reach the skin because some of it is first retained by the hair. It is not surprising that mammals have hair as part of the evolutionary process. Nature rarely maintains something for millions of years if it really has no function at all.

3. Can increase self-confidence and self-identity

The next benefit is more related to the psychological aspect. Many studies show that an appearance that matches personal preferences can increase self-confidence. When someone feels comfortable with their hair or beard style, they tend to have a more positive self-image. This does not mean that all men will be more confident when they have long hair or beard. In fact, what is important is that there is a match between appearance and one’s identity and social environment.

In social psychology research, hair and beards are often part of identity formation. This style can reflect a certain character, for example artistic, relaxed, traditional, or masculine, depending on the culture in which a person lives. Increased self-confidence can have an impact on communication, work performance and social relationships. Not because long hair has “magical powers”, but because a person feels more comfortable being himself.

However, self-confidence should still be built through ability, ethics and attitude. Long hair may make your appearance more distinctive, but your ability to think cannot be replaced by long hair. Evolution hasn’t gone that far.

4. Beards help reduce direct friction on facial skin

Men who shave regularly often experience skin irritation, small cuts, or ingrown hairs (ingrown hair). This condition is quite common, especially in men with thick or curly facial hair.

By maintaining a beard, the frequency of shaving can be reduced so that the risk of irritation from razors also decreases. In addition, a beard can help maintain skin moisture because the facial area is not constantly undergoing a shaving process that removes some of the surface layer of the skin.

Of course, these benefits only apply if the beard is well maintained. A dirty beard can become a place for oil, dead skin cells, and dirt from the environment to accumulate. Therefore, cleaning your beard regularly using appropriate soap or cleanser is still highly recommended. In other words, maintaining a beard does not mean you are free from the obligation to maintain cleanliness. Facial hair still requires attention, just like the hair on the head.

CLOSURE

Long hair and beards are not only related to style or trends. From a scientific point of view, both have several biological and psychological functions, ranging from helping protect the skin from sun exposure, helping maintain body temperature, increasing self-confidence when in accordance with one’s identity, to reducing irritation due to shaving too often.

However, it is important to remember that these benefits can only be obtained if the hair and beard are well cared for. Clean hair, a healthy scalp, and a well-groomed beard are much more important than just length or thickness.

In the end, whether to choose long hair, short hair, a beard, or a clean shave is a personal decision. As long as you maintain cleanliness, health and respect the norms in your respective environment, each option has its own advantages. Humans really like to argue about hairstyles, while their own hair just continues to grow without ever getting involved in the debate to determine their fate.

SOURCE

American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). How to prevent skin cancer. https://www.aad.org

Batres, C., & Perrett, D. I. (2017). What is the most attractive level of facial hair? Royal Society Open Science, 4(12)170382.

Jablonski, N. G. (2013). Skin: A natural history. University of California Press.

Robbins, C. R. (2012). Chemical and physical behavior of human hair(5th ed.). Springer.

Stenn, K. S., & Paus, R. (2001). Controls of hair follicle cycling. Physiological Reviews, 81(1)449-494.

World Health Organization. (2024). Ultraviolet radiation. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-s…olet-radiation