We’ve all heard various variations of the rumor that shaving can make your hair grow back thicker and darker. Those who longed to have smooth legs became fearful that shaving could make hair soon become thicker and darker than it was before. Or they swear that the hair has changed over time since they started shaving. Or maybe your mom told you to wax rather than shave.
We don’t know where the story started or why it has been commonly believed as a ‘fact’ for many, many years, however, what we do know is that there is NO truth behind it. Scientists and experts have put it to the test and have found that hair regrowth is not affected by shaving or any other type of hair removal above the skin.
So, where did the rumor come from?
The reason that people think the myth may be true is because after shaving, your hair may appear thicker and darker for a very short period of time. It may appear this way because hairs have a tapered end – quite like a pencil. So, when you are shaving you only cut away the tip of the hair, making the remaining hair or stubble appear like it is thicker or darker than it was before. However, the hair will grow back tapered once again, so shaving will not impact the regrowth process.
The important thing to remember is that shaving cannot possibly affect the hair follicle under the skin, which controls the growth and color of hair. It will not affect the speed at which body hair comes back or the thickness – so you have nothing to worry about!
However, if you are looking for hair removal that is slightly more permanent, consider laser hair removal. A high-quality laser will permanently remove almost all of the hair in just 6-12 sessions.
