Snorkeling with Beard/Mustache-Best Masks

Men with facial hair can find it quite frustrating to snorkel with some snorkel masks. Some men consider their mane an asset therefore sacrificing this asset for a mere water trip may not balance the equation.

The truth is, you cannot conveniently snorkel with a huge and styled mustache or beard especially if you are using a traditional or full-face snorkel mask. Large facial hair breaks the seal that forms from the mask lining and the skin allowing water and air into the mask. The result is discomfort, fogging, and reduced visibility.

The more facial hair the harder it will become to create an air-tight seal that will prevent water from getting into the mask. However, there are a couple of masks in the market created to fix this issue to some extent. Read on to find out more.

Why you Cannot Snorkel with Beard/Mustache

Several cases have been reported where water has leaked into the mask forcing bearded male snorkelers to pop up their head regularly to clear the water from the mask.

The problem is usually the materials from which the edge of the masks has been designed. Most of these masks have silicone lining which normally forms a waterproof seal on the user’s face.

Huge, thick, and styled beards and mustaches tend to break the seal thus allowing water to get into the mask. This results in an unclear, clogged and fogged mask that will make the whole experience terrible and wasteful.

A mustache becomes an issue when using a traditional face that covers the nose and eyes. A huge mustache pushes the mask skirt away from the lips and allows for water to leak into the mask.

A mustache
A mustache

A beard on the other hand becomes an issue when using a full-face snorkel mask. A bushy beard often presses the lining of the mask creating space for water to get into the mask.

Full grown Beard
Beard

Basically, the extent of this issue depends on the shape, size, and style of your hair and how the mask itself is designed. Most full-face masks work well with a mustache while most traditional masks work fine with a beard.

At the same time, a full-face mask does work fine for men who lack thick beards or mustaches but instead bear a little facial scruff.

Best Masks for Beard/Mustache

The ideal mask should be of the right size, should fit well, and be built with lasting quality materials, fog-free and durable. If you have a mustache, most full-face masks will work perfectly. Check our review of the best full-face masks here

If your issue is a beard, the following are some of the best masks you wear without having to worry about shaving.

Frameless Atomic Aquatics Mask

Atomic Aquatics water accessories are renowned for great quality and so is this frameless mask. This scuba and snorkel mask effortlessly suits gentlemen with a beard or a mustache. It has tampered lenses made of glass. The mask has a distortion-free window lens, different from other masks which only allows 80 to 90% of light through.

Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask for snorkeling
Atomic Aquatics Mask

Additionally, it contains a medical silicone referred to as Gummi Bear that contributes to the soft and tender feeling on the face. It also provides for waterproof seal hence it makes it one of the best masks for snorkelers with beards and mustaches.

Its skirt comprises of two layers of silicone which provides support. This mask is closely attached to the face and the snorkeler gets clearer visibility and equalization. The only con that the lens offers are fogging which affects the lenses when tampered with.

Most divers and avid snorkelers agree this mask is unique and will always make your snorkeling tour enjoyable and comfortable.

TUSA M-1001 Freedom HD Scuba Diving Mask

This is a single lens mask with an incredibly wide field of vision. This mask boasts a 180° Rotational Buckle System, which allows it to fit a variety of face sizes while maintaining a low profile.

TUSA M-1001 Freedom Mask
Tusa Mask

This mask features

  • Large frame with minimal internal volume
  • Five-position strap angle adjuster for micro-adjustment
  • Round-edge skirt
  • a dimpled skirt surface with varied silicone thicknesses
  • stability ridges
  • proprietary low-friction skirt surface on the fitting line

Twin Trufit Scubapro Snorkeling Mask

This is a perfect and comfortable snorkel mask suitable for men with beards and mustaches since it comes with two-skirts. This flexible and thin skirt enables the mask to perfectly fit on a bearded face while an outer skirt surrounds the mask to provide support and a rigid framework. Both skirts provide comfort and waterproof coverage.

Twin Trufit Scubapro Snorkeling Mask
Trufit Mask

Unlike other regular masks that form a ring on the face, this mask is unique as it does not. This is a perfect feature for bearded men. The mask is easy to fold and thus makes it easy to carry when snorkeling.

It has reflexive lenses which offer great sunlight visibility, therefore, the user experiences minimum eyestrain. On the contrary, this mask is perfect for sunlight diving and is unsuitable for night diving. Irrespective of this, the mask remains a perfect choice for men with a beard or mustache who want to snorkel.

SwimStar Snorkel Set

This is a set that comes with a mask, a dry snorkel, and a carry bag. If you’re on a low budget, this is the snorkel set to go for.

Swimstar Snorkel Set
SwimStar

Snorkel mask comes with fully adjustable head straps and a high-grade silicone face skirt which molds to fit virtually any face shape, fit for men.

Anti-fog coating for clear viewing; tempered glass lens lasts longer than regular; Comfort-fit liquid silicone skirt for water-tight seal, Hypoallergenic silicone mouthpiece for comfort, especially suitable for long-term use in free snorkeling.

This scuba diving mask features a single lens design giving you an unobstructed clear view of the beautiful underwater world. The skirt edge expertly conforms to the shape of your face giving you watertight performance. With an easy to adjust buckle you will be able to get the perfect fit from this mask.

It comes with 100% dry snorkel, great for those who are swimming in choppy waters or with kids around which eliminates any chance of surprise water entering the snorkel. A large purge valve makes cleaning this snorkel easy.

Swim Goggle + Nose Clip

If none of the options above works for you, normal swim goggles, a dry snorkel and a nose clip will work.

Owing to the fact swim goggles only touch the skin around your eyes where there is no hair, the seal won’t be broken. Simply put on the goggles, attach the snorkel the hold your nose with the nose clip…that is it!

You can try Aqua Sphere Seal 2.0 swim Goggles, Speedo unisex nose clips a snorkel of your choice.

Best swim goggles for snorkeling
Aqua Sphere Swim Goggles
Swim Nose Clip
Speedo nose clip

This hack has a limit. It is only ideal for surface snorkeling and not diving deep down. This is because normal swim goggles are not designed to handle pressure deep underwater. They are not safe.

Other Tips and Ideas to snorkel with a Beard

There are some tips applicable when snorkeling that can aid in preventing water leakage and moreover create a complete seal. Some ideas include:

  • Use of silicone grease- applying a small amount under the nose forms a seal thus preventing water leakage.
  • Using a mask that fits- Everyone has a unique face shape and size, therefore all masks cannot fit in one’s face. One should acquire a perfectly fitting mask to prevent any leakage. Snorkelers with mustaches have uncovered that a perfectly fitting mask solves the leakage problem, however, it is not convenient for casual snorkelers.
  • Trimming of mustaches- Provided the section in contact with the face is hairless, this forms a seal. Shaving the mustache is appropriate and can help minimize water leakages.
  • Shaving off beards and mustaches completely- It might be inappropriate for some snorkelers but keeping in mind that the beard will grow back, it would be an appropriate measure for a short-term snorkeler.
  • For first-timers in snorkeling, they should attempt it with a helper nearby.

It is evident that having a beard or a mustache can ruin your snorkeling experience. Simply trim your hair or use some of the mentioned masks above.

Safety should come first. Using the masks incorrectly may expose you to known dangers that may lead to unrecoverable damages. Stay safe!

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