For motorcycle riders sporting a full beard, finding the perfect full face helmet can feel like an impossible task. You want the safety and protection a full face helmet offers, but you also don’t want to sacrifice the comfort and look of your beard.
Don’t worry, bearded riders! We understand the struggle. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing and wearing a full face helmet with a beard, ensuring both your safety and your style remain uncompromised.
Choosing the Right Full Face Helmet for Your Beard
Different beard styles under full face helmets
When you have a beard, not all helmets are created equal. Here’s what to consider:
1. Helmet Shape and Size:
- Head Shape: Just like with clean-shaven riders, head shape plays a crucial role. Measure your head circumference accurately and refer to the helmet manufacturer’s sizing chart. Don’t rely solely on your usual hat size.
- Beard Size: Consider the fullness and length of your beard. A shorter beard might fit comfortably in most helmets, while a longer, thicker beard might require a larger shell size or a specific helmet design.
- Try Before You Buy: Always try on helmets before purchasing. Pay attention to pressure points, especially around your cheeks and jawline where your beard sits.
2. Helmet Features:
- Interior Liner Material: Look for helmets with breathable and moisture-wicking liner materials. This helps prevent your beard from feeling hot, itchy, or uncomfortable, especially during longer rides.
- Removable and Washable Liners: Choose a helmet with removable and washable liners for easy cleaning. This is essential for maintaining hygiene and freshness, especially for bearded riders.
- Ventilation System: Adequate ventilation is crucial, even more so for bearded riders. Look for helmets with multiple vents that allow for airflow, keeping your head and beard cool and dry.
3. Consider Your Riding Style:
- Street Riding: For general commuting and street riding, prioritize comfort and ventilation.
- Sport Riding: If you enjoy a more aggressive riding style, consider helmets designed for aerodynamics and high-speed stability. However, these helmets often have a tighter fit, so ensure enough room for your beard.
- Off-Road Riding: Off-road riding demands helmets with excellent ventilation and often prioritize features like a larger visor and space for goggles.
Common Issues and Solutions
Pressure points on a beard from a helmet
Even with the right helmet, you might experience some common issues:
- Beard Compression: If your beard feels compressed or flattened, consider a helmet with a more spacious interior or a larger shell size.
- Skin Irritation: Friction between your beard and the helmet liner can cause irritation. Using beard oil or balm can help reduce friction and keep your beard soft.
- Glasses or Sunglasses Fogging: A full face helmet, combined with a beard, can trap warm breath and lead to fogging. Ensure your helmet has adequate ventilation and consider using an anti-fog visor insert or treatment.
Tips for a Comfortable Fit
Here are some additional tips for a comfortable ride:
- Properly Position Your Beard: Before putting on your helmet, take a moment to position your beard comfortably inside. You might need to tuck in stray hairs or adjust the beard to find the optimal fit.
- Use a Beard Snood or Balaclava: A beard snood (or a full-face balaclava in colder weather) can help keep your beard contained and protected while riding. It also creates a barrier between your beard and the helmet liner, reducing friction and irritation.
- Maintain Your Helmet: Regularly clean the interior liner of your helmet to remove dirt, sweat, and beard oil buildup. This will keep your helmet fresh and your beard feeling comfortable.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect full face helmet with a beard doesn’t have to be a challenge. By considering your beard size, helmet shape, and essential features like ventilation and liner material, you can ride safely and comfortably while rocking your favorite beard style. Remember, trying on helmets before purchase is crucial to ensure the best fit for both your head and your beard. So, gear up, hit the road, and enjoy the ride with confidence and style!
FAQs
1. Can I wear any type of beard with a full face helmet?
While you can wear most beard styles, extremely long or thick beards might require a larger helmet size or a specialized design to avoid discomfort and safety issues.
2. Will wearing a beard affect the fit of my helmet over time?
Your beard might slightly compress inside the helmet, especially during longer rides. This usually doesn’t drastically affect the fit but emphasizes the importance of choosing a comfortable helmet with a bit of extra room.
3. Do I need a special helmet certification for riding with a beard?
Helmets don’t have specific certifications for beards. However, ensure your helmet meets safety standards like DOT (Department of Transportation) or ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) for optimal protection.
4. Can I use beard oil with a helmet?
Yes, using beard oil can actually be beneficial. It helps reduce friction between your beard and the helmet liner, preventing irritation and discomfort. Choose a non-greasy formula for best results.
5. How often should I clean my helmet liner if I have a beard?
It’s recommended to clean your helmet liner more frequently if you have a beard, ideally after every few rides or whenever it starts feeling dirty or smelling unpleasant. This helps maintain hygiene and prolong the life of your helmet.
Need More Help?
Have other questions about finding the right full face helmet for your beard? We’re here to help! Contact our team at Phone Number: 0902476650, Email: [email protected], or visit us at 139 Đ. Võ Văn Kiệt, Hoà Long, Bà Rịa, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Việt Nam. Our dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you.