Well, well, well!!! Those that work a hive without head protection, well, hee, hee, I take my hat off to you. When I work my bees (except, yea, if just a quick put-in-the-sugar syrup baggie when feeding or something really short like that), I never, ever go without a veil.
When I have my veil on, I feel like SUPERWOMAN. I can do anything!!! I can't fly though. When I have my veil on, I feel 100% protected. If I get a sting on my body, oh well, carry on. But if I get a sting to my face, and trust me, been there done that....it takes my confidence away. Not going there. I never ever wear gloves, not even my nitrile gloves, too clumbsy, too sweaty. I can be out there with only my tank top and jeans. Oh yes, I always wear jeans too, not matter how hot it is. I would never wear shorts, the thought of a bee climbing inside my shorts makes me shudder. With my veil and jeans I am safe and sound from very vulnerable spots, hee, hee.
When we took our bee courses, no one wore a veil, in retrospect, crazy stuff in my mind's eye, but then I wasn't deeply hands in while taking the courses either.
If my head is protected, I can do anything with the bees, with no worries. I can even work them without smoke, but my preference is to have my burlap filled smoker going at all times too. Last week a bee got under my armpit when I was looking at a frame. I didn't notice it until I put down the frame, yep, that hot, burning sensation. Took a minute to get out the stinger though, thank goodness I don't have hairy armpits, hee, hee. Beautiful day in this wonderful and great life. Cindi