Why tying your hair back can curb face-touching when you go back to work

Hands up if you're reading this with your hand pressed against your chin? Hands up if you didn't realise you were doing it until right now? Whether it's an itch or a stray hair, face touching is habitual to many of us, a comfort of sorts perhaps. But as soothing and relieving as it may be, this is one bacteria-spreading habit we're constantly told to shift even in the best of times, let alone a pandemic. 

One observational study at the University of North South Wales, Sydney, which analysed the behaviour of 26 medical students in Australia, found that participants touched their faces an average of 23 times an hour. Almost half of the face touches involved the mouth, nose, or eyes - namely, the easiest pathways for viruses and bacteria to enter our bodies. 

But kicking the habit is easier said than done. Just ask the numerous officials, like public health director for Santa Clara County, California, Sara Cody, who licked her finger during a briefing moments after advising the public to stop touching their faces. Not even Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been able to help herself and was caught sweeping hair from her face multiple times during an interview, while warning of the dangers of face touching.

The irony of Ocasio-Cortez's almost constant face touching as a result of her untied locks, begs a serious question about hair and whether we should be adopting Covid-proof styles to better protect ourselves. It could even mean that fringes, subject to constant touching, will need to be put on the backbench when we return to work.  

When dealing with unruly, wandering hair amid our current circumstance, Consultant Dermatologist & Hair Loss Expert Dr Anastasia Therianou says, "For women with long hair, a fringe, or people who touch their hair often, it's perhaps better to keep hair up in a loose ponytail. However, keep in mind that tight ponytails could cause hair loss. So be sure to keep it in a loose ponytail or braid." 

But why is it so important to refrain from face touching? "It took the Covid-19 pandemic to make us aware of just how often we reach for our face," notes Anastasia, "not only coronavirus, but many other viruses can stay on surfaces for days. This can then travel from our hands, to our face and then to our mouth and nose."

"Avoiding touching your face is especially important for people who suffer with acne, or those who want to control their oily skin," adds Anastasia. "Touching your face can spread oil, dirt, bacteria and viruses from your hands to your face, which can lead to breakouts. Not only that, but this way any bugs can ‘travel’ to your mucosal membranes (mouth, nose and eyes) and spread the infection to your body."

As well as taking the preventative steps to tie your hair back and wash your hands as frequently as necessary for at least 20 seconds, if you're a serial eye rubber and wear contact lenses, you could revert to wearing glasses which will act as a physical barrier. Wearing a mask and sunglasses when outdoors would also help to limit the possibility of dangerous face touching. 

3 protective hair must-haves

Slip Silk Scrunchie, Skinnies, £39

Created from mulberry silk, these hairbands not only avoid giving you kinks or creases but are also kind to your locks by minimising damage and breakage.

Anthropologie Lily Jacquard Headband, £10

Padded headbands, or 'hatbands', are a quick and easy way to elevate your look, especially when you're looking for something to perk up your Zoom style. Both stylish and practical, this one from Anthropologie will keep your hair swept back and out of your face. 

Oliver Bonas Botanist Floral Print Yellow Square Hair Scarf, £22

The beauty of hair scarves lies in their versatility. Whether you want to tie your hair up, down, cover it completely or partially, scarves are the perfect protective hair accessory. 

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