One man who knows this more than most is Jake Warren, the president of the Ballarat Beard and Mustache Union.

Mr Warren had been growing his beard for well over six years while working as a Theatre Technician at Ballarat Base Hospital, however with the spread of COVID-19 and the need for protective facial equipment, he was put into a difficult position.

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"With the COVID-19 pandemic that is about at the moment we need to wear specialised M-95 masks that protect your face," he told The Courier.

"It creates a proper seal around your mouth but usually we don't have to wear them... but with this we do have to wear them if the patient does or could have COVID-19.

"With a beard, you can't get a perfect seal."

Forced to shave his beard, Mr Warren had a bright idea to commemorate the departure of his facial hair.

"I thought if it had to go, I might as well try and shave it for a charity and raise money for people that are going to struggle through these hard times."

Mr Warren set up a gofundme page, announcing he would be shaving his beard for the SJD Foundation. 100 per cent of the donations to the page would go directly to the foundation.

Not knowing what to expect, Mr Warren was shocked to see his page has already amassed over $2000 in donations after the first 24 hours.

"Within the first 24 hours we were at nearly $2,000, which I just thought was absolutely incredible," he added.

"Seeing the donations flood in during a time where people are incredibly stressed about money just felt amazing... it shows a want to help each other from within the community."

The page has so far raised nearly $4000 and is to be used by the SJD Foundation as they aim to deliver car packages to over 70 foster families.

Mr Warren said he wanted to do his part to help a group of people that aren't always at the front of the community's mind during this pandemic.

"It's an incredibly hard time for everyone at the moment. People are stressed because they can't go to work and others are stressed because they're putting themselves at risk by going to work so knowing I could help some people made the process of shaving it off a lot easier."

Now left with only a mustache, Mr Warren said adjusting has been trying at times, however he is willing to trudge onward and continue helping patients.

"I feel the cold a lot more now," he laughed.

"I'm happy to be without my beard if it means I can keep helping people in what is a really difficult time."