Many women struggle with unwanted facial hair and turn to shaving as a quick and convenient removal method. However, a common concern is that shaving will cause the hair to grow back thicker or darker. So does shaving really change hair growth, or is this just a myth?
The science behind hair growth
Hair grows from follicles under the skin which produce keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair. Hair follicles go through three cycles:
- Anagen – active growth phase that can last 2-6 years
- Catagen – transitional phase that lasts 2-3 weeks
- Telogen – resting phase that lasts 2-3 months
At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out and the follicle starts growing a new hair. Each follicle cycles independently, so the hair growth phases overlap on the scalp and face.
Hair thickness and darkness are determined by:
- Genetics
- Levels of androgens like testosterone
- Rate of hair growth
- Density of follicles
Shaving only cuts the hair above the skin surface and does not change any of these underlying factors. So shaving alone cannot cause hair to grow back thicker, darker, or make new hair grow.
Does shaving cause hair to grow back faster?
No, shaving does not affect the rate of hair growth. Since it only cuts the hair above the skin, it has no impact on the follicle below the surface that controls hair regrowth.
However, shaving gives the appearance of faster regrowth because it creates a blunt tip rather than a tapering end. The blunt cut hair feels coarser and seems to grow back quicker as it becomes visible again.
What about darker or thicker regrowth?
The reason shaving seems to cause darker or thicker regrowth is because of the blunt cut tip. When hair is shaved, the cut edge has a wider diameter than the naturally tapering tip of uncut hair. This gives the illusion that the hair is darker or thicker as it grows back in.
Over time and with more shaving cycles, the blunt tip may gradually become thinner. But the hair is the same thickness emerging from the follicle underneath the skin. The only visual difference is the tip thickness.
Does frequent shaving lead to thicker hair growth?
No research backs up the claim that habitual shaving or close trimming alters hair growth. The rate of regrowth remains unchanged with repeated shaving over time. Any perceived increase in thickness is due to the cut hair tip, not more hair emerging from the follicle.
Can shaving cause ingrown hairs?
Yes, shaving carries a higher risk of ingrown hairs compared to other hair removal methods. This happens when the sharpened edge of shaved hair grows back into the skin, instead of rising above the surface.
Ingrown hairs often appear as bumps or pimple-like lesions. They are more common along the bikini line and neck, where hair is coarser and curvier.
Proper shaving technique can help prevent ingrowns. Always shave in the direction of hair growth using a clean, sharp razor. Exfoliating regularly before shaving can also reduce ingrown hairs by clearing away dead skin cells.
The role of hormones
Hormonal changes related to puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can darken or increase hair growth in women. Higher levels of androgens like testosterone signal the hair follicles to produce more hair.
The hair growth cycle also shortens so that more hair reaches the regrowth phase faster. This creates the appearance of thicker facial hair over time. But again, shaving itself does not alter hormone levels to create this excess growth.
Medical treatments for lasting removal
While shaving is a fast and simple method, it only removes hair temporarily above the skin. For longer-lasting facial hair reduction, medical treatments are more effective.
Common professional options include:
- Electrolysis – destroys follicles with electrical current
- Laser therapy – laser light targets melanin in hair to damage follicles
- Depilatories – chemical creams dissolve hair at skin level
These methods damage or disable the actual hair follicle to provide longer-lasting hair removal. The results typically last weeks to months depending on the location and treatment method used.
Prescription medications
Doctors may prescribe certain drugs to treat excess facial hair growth in women. Anti-androgen medications like spironolactone can suppress androgen hormone production. This reduces hair growth by limiting stimulation of the hair follicles.
Other prescription drugs like finasteride and flutamide work similarly by blocking androgens. However, anti-androgen medications may not be suitable for all women due to possible side effects.
Home remedies to try
Natural remedies provide mild hair removal or slower regrowth when used consistently over time. Options to try at home include:
- Sugar or turmeric scrubs – gently exfoliate to remove hair
- Papaya – contains enzymes to break down hair proteins
- Rose water and honey – reduces hair growth when applied topically
- Tea tree or lavender oil – may help slow hair regrowth
- Lemon juice – weakens hair cuticles and lightens appearance
While home remedies likely won’t provide dramatic hair removal, they can help maintain smoother skin between shaves. Be sure to do a patch test first to check for skin sensitivity.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if you have excessive or dark facial hair growth. They can check for any underlying medical conditions and help find the right treatment options.
See a doctor if you experience:
- Sudden increased facial hair growth
- Hair growing in unusual places like the chin or cheeks
- New growth along with other symptoms like irregular periods or acne
A change in normal hair patterns, especially alongside other symptoms, may indicate an underlying hormonal disorder. After ruling out any medical causes, your doctor can suggest prescription or professional hair removal methods as needed.
The takeaway
Shaving alone does not lead to thicker or faster-growing facial hair in women. The blunt tip of shaved hair gives the illusion of thickness as it regrows. Over time, repeated shaving will not stimulate more hair growth.
For lasting removal, prescription medications or professional treatments like electrolysis and laser therapy are more effective. But shaving remains a quick, inexpensive option for temporary reduction in hair length.
To minimize blunt regrowth, use proper technique and gently exfoliate. And see a doctor for sudden increased growth or other symptoms to check for an underlying condition.