All I can say is:

I loved having my beard when I was assigned to the USCGC MANITOU and USCGC RARITAN (icebreaking tugs on the Hudson River)and I sorely missed my beard (The Commandant outlawed beards just prior to my being assigned-1987) while assigned to the USCGC BISCAYNE BAY (icebreaking tug on the Great Lakes).

I preferred a beard in cold climates.