The Truth About Shaving and Hair Regrowth: Debunking Myths

\nDo you believe that shaving makes hair grow back thicker, faster, and darker? Or that plucking one gray hair will cause six more to sprout in its place? These are common misconceptions, but let's delve into the science and separate fact from fiction.

Shaving: Does It Really Affect Hair Regrowth?

The idea that shaving influences hair regrowth has been around for a while. However, studies have shown otherwise. One study, conducted in 1928 by Forensic Anthropologist Mildred Trotter, compared shaved and naturally regrown hairs and found no impact from shaving.

A more recent study published in The Journal Of Investigative Dermatology had men shave one leg weekly for months while leaving the other untouched. The results? Shaving had no significant effect on hair regrowth.

Why the Misconception?

The belief often arises during adolescence when hormonal changes lead to the development of adult hair. The timing of the first shave coincides with these hormonal shifts, creating the illusion that shaving is responsible for the fuller hair growth. However, this is simply a coincidence.

The act of shaving itself doesn't affect the hair follicle, which is responsible for hair growth. This process occurs naturally at different rates for everyone.

The Appearance of Darker Hair

Freshly grown hair can also appear darker because it hasn't been exposed to sunlight, chemicals, or pollutants that lighten hair over time. Additionally, the contrast against the skin can create the illusion of darker hair.

Shaving Body Hair: Coarser and Thicker?

Many people find that after shaving body hair on their legs, back, or chest, the regrowth seems coarser and thicker. This is because shaving blunts the end of the hairs.

The Tapered End

A natural human hair has a tapered end, meaning the visible part is the thinnest. Shaving cuts the hair shaft at its thickest point, creating a blunt end. This makes the hair temporarily appear thicker.

Hair Follicles and Shaving

The portion of hair that you shave off is not alive and cannot communicate with the follicle. Therefore, the follicle continues to function as before, unaffected by the shaving process.

Plucking and Waxing: What About Regrowth?

Plucking and waxing remove the hair directly from the follicle. Does this affect regrowth?

One Follicle, One Hair

Each hair follicle produces only one hair. If it seems like two hairs are growing from the same spot, it's likely that two follicles have merged.

Waxing and Hair Direction

Repeated waxing can change the direction of hair follicle growth, pulling it away from its natural grain. This can result in regrowth appearing fluffier than before.

The Impact of Repeated Plucking

Contrary to popular belief, plucking or waxing does not cause more hair to grow back. In fact, repeated plucking can have the opposite effect.

Traumatizing the Follicle

Plucking and waxing tear the hair from its root. Over time, this can traumatize the follicle. If a hair is continuously pulled from an area, the follicle may eventually stop growing hair altogether, potentially leading to a bald patch.

Plucking Gray Hairs

Cosmetic Scientist Randy Schueller suggests that plucking a gray hair could lead to the replacement hair being less gray, as the hair color process isn't always consistent. However, to avoid damaging the hair follicle, it's generally safer to snip it off or dye it.

Conclusion

While unwanted hair may seem relentless, shaving it off won't turn you into Bigfoot. The perception of thicker, faster, and darker regrowth is largely due to natural hormonal changes, the blunting effect of shaving, and the contrast against the skin. As for plucking, it won't cause more hairs to sprout, and in some cases, it may even lead to reduced hair growth over time.