Dear readers: Beards are back. Maybe it’s a result of being at home for over a year, but beards are here! Let’s look at this facial hair phenomenon.

Growing a beard can free up time. Experts tabulated that the average clean-shaven man spends the equivalent of almost 140 days of his life shaving!

A partner may find a man more attractive with a full beard, or a little stubble. Bearded men are perceived as more dominant and masculine, more responsible, more mature and more fatherly, too.

Beards can help prevent sunburn, and having a beard can protect the skin underneath from aging. (Sunscreen is necessary, though, on the nose, cheeks and forehead.)

The theory that beards are dirty and germ-ridden? Not so much, as long as the beard is washed in the shower.! — Heloise

Dear Heloise: What do your readers think about the new trend of open shelving, especially popular in kitchens? My thought is, you better be super-organized and matchy-matchy, or your kitchen can look junky! It’s not only a bad look, but that can drain the energy out of you in a heartbeat. — Melissa C. in New York

Dear Heloise: I need your advice regarding showerhead cleaning. — Jerry P. in California

Jerry, happy to help. Minerals from hard water can clog the holes of your showerhead, leading to reduced water pressure. If you can remove the showerhead, cover it in a bowl of hot vinegar. After the vinegar has dissolved the buildup (one to two hours), use an old toothbrush or toothpick to loosen any remaining debris.

If you can’t remove the showerhead, secure a sturdy plastic bag filled with vinegar over the showerhead with the holes submerged. Leave overnight, then loosen any bits with a toothpick.

Caveat: Your showerhead may have a finish on it that vinegar can damage (remember, vinegar is an acid). Check with the manufacturer. — Heloise