Male nurses and other medics are being asked to shave off beards beards and facial hair to ensure protective face masks fit properly, according to new national guidance for NHS organisations in England. But they have been advised that a blanket rule could discriminate against staff, so they have been told to work with faith groups to approach this issue more carefully and sensitively.
Farhaz, a Muslim medic redeployed to look after coronavirus patients, took the twitter to show step by step how he shaved off his beard of 15 years- a significant part of his identity. Another man, Shumel Rahman, who works for the North East Ambulance Service, also says his beard was an important part of his faith but he made the decision to shave it off to help save lives.
The 39-year old told Chronicle Live, “It is not a step I have taken lightly, my beard is not just part of my identity but of my religion. I’ve had a beard for well over a decade and I can’t remember the last time I shaved. I have consulted many Islamic scholars and teachers, locally and nationally, sought advice from fellow Muslim healthcare professionals and the British Islamic medical Association. This was not a simple yes or no answer, however these are exceptional circumstances, totally unprecedented and a unique situation. I’ve shaved off my beard to protect my patients, my colleagues and family. One of the greatest acts is to save someone's life. This simple act may help to do that." Their act received several applauds from people across the globe.
On the other hand, due to lack of open barber shops and with strict social distancing rules, men who sport a beard for fashion or for any other reason are finding it extremely hard to maintain their looks. Actors and athletes are taking the globe’s hairy situation into their own hands and shaving all off. Several celebrities have taken to social media to share their freshly trimmed or absolutely clean shaven looks from self-isolation.
Veejay, 39, a city worker, flaunts his beard of three years. Though not a part of his faith, it is much a part of his identity, especially after receiving several compliments from friends and family, when he started balding on his head. His beard requires a visit to a top end London barber shop, every alternate week. With this lockdown, he feels much of his look is compromised. “Thank God due to nature of my job, I do not have to necessarily face clients on Zoom call, though am working from home. I could not have gone out or on camera with such an unkempt look - a face full of shapeless beard. A sharp, lumbersexual look is what I prefer. I cannot shave my beard at home with a trimmer. I need professional grooming. But with Covid-19 closure, and amidst social distancing rules it has been hard.”
Interestingly, many wives have turned into barbers for their husbands, with their hidden talents on display.
Udita, an architect and mother of two told Asian Voice, “I have always trimmed my twin boys’ hair at home, since they are very young. But this time I have given my husband a fresh haircut, and he loves it!”
But a 92 year old man colouring his 89 year old wife’s hair has taken the internet by storm for not only the couple goal, but also representing how everyone is addressing the issues of grooming during this lockdown.
