Does Shaving Make Hair Thicker, Reddit? Debunking the Myth Once and For All

The internet, especially forums like Reddit, are rife with questions and anxieties about body hair. One persistent myth that refuses to die is the belief that shaving makes hair grow back thicker. Let’s cut through the noise and address this question directly: No, shaving does not make hair thicker. It’s a common misconception rooted in how hair appears after shaving, but the underlying biology proves otherwise. Shaving only affects the hair shaft, not the hair follicle responsible for hair growth.

Why the Myth Persists: The Illusion of Thicker Hair

The perceived increase in thickness after shaving isn’t actual growth but a visual and tactile phenomenon. Several factors contribute to this illusion:

• Blunt Ends: When you shave, you’re slicing the hair shaft at its thickest point. Naturally, hair tapers to a finer point, which feels softer. The blunt end created by shaving feels coarser and more stubbly.
• Hair Color: New hair growth hasn’t been exposed to sunlight or chemicals, so it retains its darker, more natural color. This darker color can make the hair appear denser.
• Hair Orientation: Shaving removes the weight of longer hair, causing shorter hairs to stand straighter. This makes the hair feel more bristly and contributes to the illusion of increased thickness.
• Psychological Impact: Once the hair is shaved, the expectation is to grow it back, therefore, one closely monitors the growth. This creates a perception of rapid or dense growth.

In essence, what you’re experiencing after shaving is the sensation of new, blunt, and sometimes darker hair emerging, creating the impression of thicker growth.

The Science of Hair Growth: Follicles Reign Supreme

The key to understanding why shaving doesn’t affect hair thickness lies in the hair follicle. This small, bulb-shaped structure resides deep within the skin and is responsible for hair growth. The follicle determines the hair’s color, texture, and growth rate.

Shaving only removes the hair shaft above the skin’s surface. It doesn’t impact the follicle’s structure or function in any way. The follicle will continue to produce hair according to its genetic programming, regardless of whether the existing hair is shaved, waxed, or trimmed.

Genetic factors and hormones are the primary determinants of hair thickness, density, and growth rate. These factors influence the hair follicle itself, dictating the type of hair it produces.

Debunking Common Reddit Claims: Setting the Record Straight

Reddit threads are full of anecdotal experiences that seem to support the shaving-makes-hair-thicker myth. Let’s address some common claims:

• “I shaved my legs, and now the hair is so much thicker!”: As explained earlier, this is due to the blunt end of the shaved hair feeling coarser, and the initial regrowth being darker.
• “My beard grew in thicker after I started shaving it”: Again, this is likely attributed to the blunt ends of the shaved hairs standing upright and the natural maturation of beard growth in young men, often coinciding with when they begin shaving.
• “I’ve heard shaving stimulates hair growth”: There’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. Shaving is a superficial process that doesn’t stimulate the hair follicle to produce thicker or more hair.

Remember: Correlation does not equal causation. Just because you observe thicker-feeling hair after shaving doesn’t mean shaving caused it. Other factors, such as hormonal changes or natural hair growth patterns, are likely at play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions on Reddit regarding the myth that shaving makes hair thicker:

1. Does waxing make hair grow back finer?

Waxing removes hair from the root, which can, over many years, weaken the follicle and potentially lead to slightly finer hair growth in some individuals. However, this is not a guaranteed result and depends on individual factors.

2. Does shaving cause hair to grow back faster?

No, shaving doesn’t affect the rate of hair growth. Hair growth is determined by genetics and hormones. It only appears faster because you are removing the length of the hair.

3. If shaving doesn’t make hair thicker, why does my hair feel so coarse after I shave?

The coarseness is due to the blunt ends of the shaved hair. Unlike the naturally tapered ends, shaved hairs are cut straight across, resulting in a stubbly feel.

4. Does shaving affect hair color?

Shaving doesn’t change the inherent color of your hair. New growth might appear darker initially because it hasn’t been exposed to sunlight or chemicals.

5. Can shaving cause ingrown hairs?

Yes, shaving can increase the risk of ingrown hairs, especially with curly or coarse hair. Proper shaving techniques and exfoliation can help prevent them.

6. Are there any hair removal methods that permanently reduce hair growth?

Laser hair removal and electrolysis are the only FDA-approved methods for permanent hair reduction. These treatments target the hair follicle, damaging it and inhibiting future hair growth.

7. Does shaving make hair grow back darker on my face or body?

No. Shaving doesn’t alter melanin production or hair pigmentation in the follicle. New hair growth may appear darker initially, but its base color is unaffected.

8. What are the best shaving techniques to minimize the appearance of stubble?

Using a sharp razor, shaving in the direction of hair growth, exfoliating beforehand, and applying a moisturizing shaving cream can help minimize stubble.

9. Does shaving make my hair grow back patchy?

Shaving doesn’t directly cause patchy hair growth. Patchy hair growth can be attributed to genetics, hormonal imbalances, or medical conditions.

10. Will shaving my head make my hair grow back thicker?

No, shaving your head won’t make your hair grow back thicker. The density and thickness of your hair are determined by your genes and hormones.

11. If I shave my peach fuzz, will it grow back thicker?

No, shaving peach fuzz (vellus hair) won’t make it grow back as thicker terminal hair. Vellus hair and terminal hair are different types, and shaving won’t change one into the other.

12. What about shaving and teenage boys? I’ve heard shaving will help a beard grow.

The belief that shaving will make a teenage boy’s beard grow thicker is a myth. The ability to grow a beard comes down to genetics, hormone levels (testosterone in particular), and the maturation process. A boy’s beard will fill out naturally over time, regardless of whether he shaves or not. Starting to shave is purely cosmetic and won’t accelerate or improve beard growth potential.

Conclusion: Embrace the Truth About Hair

The persistent myth that shaving makes hair thicker is simply not true. Shaving only affects the hair shaft above the skin, not the hair follicle that determines growth. The perceived increase in thickness is an illusion caused by blunt ends, darker color, and hair orientation. Embrace the science and discard this outdated belief. Understanding the true nature of hair growth allows you to make informed decisions about hair removal based on fact, not fiction.