Does Shaving Increase Beard Growth?
No, shaving does not increase beard growth. This is a common misconception. While it might feel like your beard grows back thicker and faster after shaving, this is an illusion.
Shaving simply cuts the hair at the surface of the skin. The freshly shaven hair has a blunt end, which can feel coarser and thicker than the naturally tapered end of a longer hair. This is because the cut end has a larger surface area than the tapered point, making it feel coarser and more noticeable. The appearance of quicker regrowth is simply because you are noticing the hair from the very beginning of its growth, while longer hairs blend in more.
Several reputable sources confirm this:
- Mayo Clinic: Explicitly states that "shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color, or rate of growth." https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/hair-removal/faq-20058427
- Reddit (r/wicked_edge): Multiple threads and comments debunk the myth. For example, one post states that shaving leaves a "sharper feeling end," contributing to the perception of thicker growth. https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/1t313t/does_shaving_affect_beard_growth/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/ousqvg/the_shaving_causes_hair_to_grow_back/
- Quora: Answers consistently refute the idea that shaving accelerates or thickens hair growth. https://www.quora.com/Can-I-grow-a-beard-if-I-keep-shaving and https://www.quora.com/Does-shaving-your-facial-hair-make-it-grow-back-faster-and-more
Factors Affecting Beard Growth
While shaving doesn't affect beard growth, several other factors do:
- Genetics: Your genetic predisposition significantly influences beard thickness and growth rate.
- Hormones: Testosterone plays a crucial role in beard growth.
- Nutrition: A healthy diet supports overall hair growth.
- Age: Beard growth typically increases during puberty and continues to develop throughout adulthood.
