There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of shaving and body hair growth.
Some people believe that shaving makes hair regrowth thicker, while others claim it has no impact whatsoever.
So, what is the truth?
In this blog post, we will explore the science behind shaving and hair regrowth, and answer the question once and for all!
The Hair Growth Cycle
Before we can answer the question of whether or not shaving impacts body hair thickness, it is essential to understand the hair growth cycle.
Hair goes through three main phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase.
The Anagen Phase
The anagen phase is also known as the growth phase.
This is when hair follicles are actively growing new strands of hair.
The length of the anagen phase can vary from person to person but is typically around two to six years.
A hair shaft can grow anywhere from one-half-inch to two inches per month during this phase!
The Catagen Phase
After the anagen phase comes the catagen phase, also known as the transitional phase.
The catagen phase lasts for about two to three weeks and is when the hair follicles begin to shrink.
The telogen phase follows the catagen phase.
The Telogen Phase
The telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is when the hair follicle does not actively grow new hair.
This phase can last anywhere from one to four months.
After the telogen phase, the hair follicles will enter the anagen phase once again, and the cycle will start over.
Does Shaving Stimulate Hair Growth?
Now that we understand the hair cycle, let’s answer the question of whether or not shaving hair stimulates growth.
The short answer is no; shaving does not affect hair growth.
In fact, it does just the opposite!
When you shave your hair, you are actually cutting it off at the follicle’s base, which is known as the dermal papilla.
Cutting the hair off at the bottom of the follicle does not stimulate new hair regrowth.
Does Shaved Hair Grow Back Thicker?
Now that we know shaving does not stimulate hair grow, you might be wondering if shaved hair grows back thicker.
The answer to this question is also no!
Hair removal methods like shaving and laser hair removal do not impact the thickness of the strand of hair that grows back.
The only thing that shaving does is make the hair appear thicker because the hair strand is cut off at a blunt end.
When the hair on the skin’s surface starts to grow back, it will have the same thickness as it did before you shaved it.
Does Shaving Increase Beard Growth?
If shaving does not stimulate hair growth, can it help to increase beard or facial hair growth?
Shaving does not impact or increase hair growing anywhere on the body, including the beard.
This is simply one of the famous old wives tales.
Does Hair Grow Back Thicker After Shaving Legs?
The same principles apply to leg hair and unwanted body hair!
Shaving does not make leg hair grow back thicker.
In fact, it does the exact opposite.
When you shave your legs for hair removal, you are cutting the leg hairs off at their base, which does not stimulate a new regrowth process.
Does Shaving Make Hair Darker?
Another common question people have about shaving is whether or not it makes hair grow back thicker and darker.
Shaving and hair removal do not impact the color of your hair.
Your hair color is determined by the amount of melanin in the strand of hair.
Melanin is a pigment that gives hair its color.
The more melanin, the darker the hair.
The less melanin, the lighter the hair.
Shaving does not impact the amount of melanin in a strand of hair, so it does not make hair darker or thicker.
Summary
So, there you have it!
Shaving unwanted hair does not make hair thicker, darker, or increase beard growth.
Now that you know the truth about shaving and hair removal, you can rest easy and enjoy a better shave!