A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US shows how different styles can prevent face masks from sealing against the face.
The chart was initially released in 2017 but has resurfaced with the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the country which has the highest number of confirmed cases in the world at more than 100,000 so far.
Being clean-shaven or having side-whiskers, soul patches and handlebar mustaches will allow the respirator mask to fit properly.
However, styles such as a stubble, a full beard, and mutton chops are not recommended because they would likely interfere with a face mask.
In total, the infographic lists 36 different facial hairstyles ranging from clean-shaven to a fu Manchu mustache that hangs below the chin.
The CDC recommends 12 styles as appropriate for a face mask: clean-shaven, soul patch, side-whiskers, pencil, toothbrush, lampshade, Zorro, Zappa, walrus, painter’s brush, Chevron and handlebar.
In fact, the agency says research has found facial hair under the sealing surface of a mask causes anywhere from 20 to 1000 times more leakage compared to those with clean-shaven faces.