You’ve probably heard it a hundred times: shave your hair, and it will grow back thicker, darker, and coarser. It’s a common piece of advice passed down through generations, often given to young men hoping to fill out a patchy beard. But is there any truth to this long-held belief, or is it simply a myth that has persisted over time?
The short and simple answer is no, shaving does not make your hair thicker. It’s a classic example of an optical illusion. Understanding what actually happens to your hair when you shave can clear up the confusion and help you make the best grooming decisions for yourself.
Why Your Hair Feels Different After Shaving
When you shave, you’re cutting the hair off at the surface of your skin. A single strand of hair is naturally thinner and softer at the tip than it is at the base. By cutting it straight across, you create a blunt tip. As this new, blunt hair begins to grow out, it can feel stubbly and coarse against your skin compared to the fine, tapered end of an unshaven hair. This change in texture is what creates the sensation of thicker hair.
The Science of Your Hair Follicle
The thickness, color, and growth rate of your hair are all determined deep within the hair follicle beneath your skin’s surface. Shaving only deals with the dead part of the hair shaft that has already emerged; it has no effect on the living follicle below. Since the follicle controls your hair’s fundamental characteristics, shaving can’t alter them. Genetics and hormones are the real players when it comes to how thick your hair appears.
Tips for a Smooth Shaving Experience
Even though shaving won’t thicken your hair, a poor technique can lead to irritation that might be mistaken for thicker growth. Always use a sharp, clean razor to avoid tugging on hairs. Shaving in the direction of hair growth can help reduce skin irritation and ingrown hairs. Using a good shaving cream or gel provides a protective layer, making the process smoother for your skin.
So, you can put that old myth to rest. Shaving changes the feel of your hair temporarily by creating a blunt tip, but it doesn’t send a signal to your follicles to start producing thicker hair. Your grooming routine is safe, and the appearance of your hair is firmly in the hands of your genetics.