That is the question that Pete Hickey wanted to test scientifically when he conducted this experiment:
People have been saying, "A beard keeps you warmer."
Sure it sounds good, but has anybody ever really tested this theory? In the interest of science, I thought of cutting off my beard for a winter to determine if it would be colder without it. Thinking about it for a while, I realized that this was no good. Maybe it would be a warmer (colder) winter this year. Maybe I would forget how cold (warm) it was last year.
I needed a control! Another person was no good; their perception of cold may not agree with mine. I had only one choice. Shave half of my beard.
Here are his findings: Link - via Say No to Crack
http://www.sweetbeard.com/justification
If you think the Mythbusters didn't understand science, wait until you read that!
A beard is almost like a built in scarf!
Hardly an accurate test by only having half a beard. Did he test his ski jacket by wearing it half off? Or a car with half a windshield?
//who knew zombies could grow beards (or shave for that matter) - man that guy needs some sun.
Also, I thought the warmth thing was part of why beards were so common in Russia until...someone...Peter the Great? made them all Europeanize by shaving them off.