Does Shaving Increase Hair Growth?

Men and women who shave off their hair be it facial or on the legs say that the hair that grows back seem to be thicker. But does shaving increase hair growth? This is a question that has been asked for many years already. In reality, this is a misconception. Shaving does not cause the hair to grow faster or to become thicker just as plucking does not affect hair growth or color. Shaving has no effect on the hair follicles which means that it will not be able to change its thickness as well as its speed of growth. While it is true that there are times when the hair do appear noticeable darker, there are various reasons behind this and it cannot be because of shaving. Here are the explanations as to the relation between shaving and hair growth.

• When you shave, you only remove the end of the hair that is slightly below skin level meaning the hair roots remain. The hair root is thicker that the hair that has been shaved off. Because the hair roots are the first to grow out, it will seem as if the hair that is growing is thicker.

• People might also be convinced that it grows faster but this is only because the hair roots are darker and is easily noticed by the eyes even if the truth it, it is growing at the same pace it previously had. This applies to shaved hair on any part of the body.

• Shaving does not have an effect on hair growth but hormones do. When more hormones are released in the body, this will result in a more active hair follicles. You may see more hair growing but again, that does not mean that it is growing any faster.
  

• Shaving can have an effect on the condition of the skin as it can strip it of natural oils. This can cause skin dryness as well as irritation on areas that you have shaved. This also means that you may start paying more attention to it than usual. Once you do, your eyes may be deceived into thinking that the hair is growing faster or that the hair is getting thicker. Then again, it is important to reiterate that shaving does not have an effect on the hair follicles particularly on its growth or thickness.

Should you notice anything unusual about hair on any part of your body, the best thing to do is to consult a dermatologist as this can be caused by an underlying condition.