December 2, 2024

Does Hair Grow Back Thicker If You Shave?

A time honored (and ignored) question that has been asked countless times over the years; Does shaving make your hair grow back thicker? What if you wax it?

We’re here to squash the rumor. The answer: No.

[End of article] I kid…

When you shave, you are cutting the hair shaft even with your skin. When it grows back, it may appear thicker or courser but I assure you, it is not. It only feels this way due to the fact that it is sticking straight out. Remember when you were 9 years old and your leg hair was silky smooth? Well, it’s because it was long… kinda like the hair on your head. Feel free to experiment and go Britney Spears style on your noggin’. I guarantee it’s a bit course upon regrowth. But I digress.

How about I quote some Doctor folk so you know I’m not just pulling this out of my freshly shavin’…nevermind.

Dr. Robin Ashinoff, director of cosmetic dermatology at Hackensack University Medical Center explains –

“When you shave, you’re crossing the midshaft, so it seems like it’s thicker and more coarse…But it’s not.”

If you prefer products like Nair or other over the counter hair removers, you will get the same results.

Dr. Marjory Nigro, a Houston dermatologist says –

“Nair is the same as shaving. The difference with Nair is it melts the hair… It’s a personal preference. The effect on the hair is the same.”

Waxing (or threading) is an alternative with longer lasting results. As shaving gets hair flush with your skin, waxing removes the hair shaft, which is the part of the hair follicle that you can see. The shaft comes out from underneath the skin, giving you a longer time before regrowth.

In conclusion, if you got the cash, wax that ‘stache! If you’re feeling lazy, shave that baby. Either way, you’re in the clear from making your whiskers (or other unwanted hair) grow back ten fold.

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