Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Faster? Here are the Facts
If you find yourself constantly reaching for the razor, you might be wondering does shaving make hair grow faster? It can definitely feel that way. Especially when you literally just did a full body shave a couple of days ago (underarms, bikini line, legs) only to see the stubble return again.
Does shaving make your hair grow faster or is it nothing more than a myth? Here’s everything you need to know.
Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Faster?
To cut a long story short, shaving does not make hair grow back faster or thicker. This common misconception was even debunked by clinical studies in 1928. In spite of that, this shaving myth lives on. So why is it that we even have to ask does shaving make hair grow faster? Most likely, it’s because hair regrowth has a different appearance, making it feel like hair grows back faster after shaving.
When you shave, your razor removes hair from the surface of the skin. Unlike waxing in which it removes the hair from the root, shaving only removes a part of the hair but the strand and root are still beneath the skin. When hair grows back, it tends to look and feel thicker and coarser due to the blunt end.
The truth is, whether you shave your legs, underarms, or bikini line, hair will not grow back faster. New hair also typically looks darker due to its thickness. However, shaving has no effect on hair growth rate, thickness, or color.
Why Does Hair Grow Faster When Shaved?
Hair does not grow faster when shaved. Hair texture and regrowth are determined by genetics. Some people have faster hair regrowth than others. That being said, hormonal changes or hair growth supplements can make hair grow back faster.
When it comes to does shaving make hair grow faster, it’s important to understand the hair growth cycle. It takes around one month for body hair to reach its full length. Hair growth starts in the hair follicles within the epidermis. Roots are then formed with the aid of blood and proteins.
There are three phases within the hair growth cycle. The anagen phase: hair growth begins at the root of the hair follicle. After this comes the catagen phase: the resting phase. And finally, the telogen phase: an inactive phase in which the hair falls out of the follicle.
Back to that question, does shaving make hair grow faster? When you shave, you’re only removing dead hair at the surface of the skin. You’re not removing hair beneath the skin. For this reason, shaving does not affect hair growth, thickness, or color.
Does Your Hair Grow Faster When You Shave More?
As mentioned previously, shaving does not have any effect on how fast your body hair grows. Even if you shave every day, whether it be your face, underarms, or legs, hair growth will not occur any faster.
While shaving can make the hair appear thicker or darker, the process of shaving does not increase the number or size of hair follicles in your skin, meaning you won’t experience faster hair growth.
How Fast Does Hair Grow On Different Body Parts?
How long will hair grow after shaving different areas of your body like your face, legs, pits, and bikini line? We’ve done the digging for you…
Face
Eyelashes, eyebrows, nose hair, and ear hair all grow at a rate of about an inch per month. As for peach fuzz on the face, researchers found growth to be about 0.03 millimeters per day, or 0.9 millimeters per month, on average.
Underarms
Underarm hair grows at around a half-inch per month. Although in some cases, it can be up to an inch per month depending on the individual.
Bikini Line
The bikini area can also be comparable to that of the underarm region. Though it can be faster.
Legs
With regards to leg-hair growth, it depends on the type of hair. Both vellus and terminal hairs cover the legs which can range in color and density.
During puberty, many of the vellus hair follicles become terminal hair follicles, leading to faster-growing hair. Vellus leg hairs grow relatively slow while terminal leg hair grows at around a half-inch per month.
Want a Longer Lasting Shave? Shop these Shaving Sets
Does shaving make hair grow back quicker? According to studies, no. Shaving has no effect on regrowth. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a smoother, closer, and longer lasting shave. Here are the best shaving sets that secure a luxurious, long-lasting shave.
Glazed Donut Shave Set
SHOP NOW
Do you dream of runway-ready legs? Think: lustrous, glistening, irresistibly smooth skin. Give the Glazed Donut Shave Set a try. This model-approved routine features a cleanser, razor, shave butter, after shave moisturizer, and oil–essentially, everything you need for supermodel smooth skin all over.
What makes it special: Whipped, creamy, and silky textures. Yummy scents of strawberry, vanilla glaze, and buttercream. Powerhouse ingredients such as peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and African black soap.
Ultimate Smooth Legend Shave Set
SHOP NOW
Indulge in a super close, long-lasting, and legendary shave with the Ultimate Smooth Legend Shave Set. Your complete head to toe body smoother featuring a pre-shave scrub, whipped shaving butter, and after shave oil, plus a razor and vegan fur bag.
What makes it special: A long-time bestseller everyone loves. Luxurious textures and scents of summery passion fruit and vanilla. Soothing, hydrating ingredients like coconut, lavender, and vitamin E. It’s everyone’s fave shave!
Ultimate Coco Cloud Shave Set
SHOP NOW
Bring the beach to your bathroom with this fresh and coconut-y 5-piece shave set. The cult-fave Coco Cloud Shave Butter plus an after shave serum, moisturizer, and aloe-infused razor all wrapped up in a fuzzy blue bag. You’ll smell like a tropical dream and feel as soft as a cloud when you’re done with the Coco crew.
What makes it special: Whipped, fluffy, lightweight textures. A refreshing scent of creamy coconut and warm vanilla. Nourishing ingredients like coconut milk, argan oil, and shea butter to relieve dryness and irritation and combat ingrowns.
Does shaving make hair grow faster? Regardless of where you shave, shaving does not make hair grow back faster, thicker, or darker.
Want your shave to last twice as long? Watch our long-lasting shave tutorial:
Feature photo by RF._.studio from Pexels
