Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Thicker?

Does shaving makes your hair grow back thicker? I’ve been asking myself this question lately because I’ve always shaved. When those fuzzy little hair started appearing early on in puberty, my mind quietly handed me a razor and showed me how to use it to get my smooth legs back. Since then, shaving has been my fave hair removal method.

Waxing and epilatories are painful as hell, and I don’t do pain (I mean, why would you inflict pain on yourself when you don’t have to?). Hair removal creams take forever to use and they always seem to leave some short stubs behind, anyway. Shaving gets the job done well, quickly, and painlessly. But does it make your hair grow back thicker? I know a lot of people think it does, but, in all the years I’ve shaved (more than two decades now), that has never happened. So, where did this myth originate? Let’s find out:

Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker

The myth that shaving makes hair grow back thicker is just that, a myth. So where does this come from? An optical illusion. Let me explain. Have you ever looked at your hair? Ok, it’s a bit gross, I know. But, bear with me. When a hair comes out from the follicle, it has a fine and tapered tip.

When you shave it, you’re cutting the hair with a razor. That changes its shape. The fine, tapered tip is gone, and what’s left is its wider base. That’s why hair appears to grow back thicker. But, in reality, its thickness is exactly the same as it was before.

Oh, and it’s not coarser either. I mean, if you touch the freshly cut hair, yeah, the base is gonna feel a bit coarse. That’s because it’s not really short. Let it grow again, and you’ll see, it’ll soon be as soft as it was before. But, of course, we shave again before hair has a chance to grow back, so we never see it get back to normal. Mystery explained.

Hair expert Gaby Longsworth shares a great tip for avoiding this optical illusion. “Higher-end razors with multi-blades [versus traditional single-blade razors] lift the hair before slicing it for a deep shave so that it takes longer for new hair growth to become visible.” I’ll be grabbing one of those for sure.

Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Faster? 

Now you know that shaving doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker, the next question on everyone’s lips is, “But Gio, does shaving make hair grow back faster or is that a myth, too?” You’ll be happy to know that’s a myth, as well. You’ve guessed it, it originates from the same optical illusion that makes you think shaving makes your hair grow thicker.

“Hair grows at the rate it is going to grow based on the person,” aesthetician Jodi Shays explains. “Shaving won’t change that. That being said, hormonal changes can cause hair to grow back faster. The same goes for people taking hair-growth supplements.” Dermatologist Dr Jason Miller explains further: “There may be some relative increase in hair during the growing stage of your hair cycle versus the resting/shedding phases after shaving, but this does not actually result in hairs growing faster.”

Best Shaving Tips

Now shaving is cool again, here are the best shaving tips for smoother skin – without cuts:

• Lubricate your skin: Shaving doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker and faster, but if you’re not careful, it can cause cuts (if you don’t take proper care of them, they can become infected). Let your hair soften in the shower and apply a lubricant (shaving cream or hair conditioner work best) before shaving.
• Use a clean and sharp razor: Look, I love to get as many uses as I can out of a blade, but the truth is, pretty soon that blade gets dull and starts cutting your skin. Don’t risk it. Use a fresh, clean, and sharp razor that glides smoothly on the skin.
• Use short strokes: They just work best. Enough said.
• Go against the grain: If you want a deep and close shave, going against the grain will deliver that. You should do the opposite only if you have sensitive skin or are prone to ingrown hair.
• Moisturise: Shaving doesn’t just remove hair. It also has an exfoliating effect that removes dead cells from the surface of your skin. Now you know why your skin feels tight and dry afterwards. Moisturise well after shaving. Always.

These are general guidelines. Let’s get more specific now:

Shaving Tips For Your Face

Here are the best shaving tips for your face:

• Take a hot shower before shaving: the steam helps to soften the hair and skin for an easier shave with less irritation.
• Avoid essential oils: Some shaving creams for women are loaded with essential oils that make them smell good. But they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Don’t risk it.
• Be gentle: Apply little pressure to your razor and use short and gentle strokes.

Shaving Tips For Your Legs 

Here are the best shaving tips for your legs:

• Frequency: You can shave your legs as frequently as once a day, as long as you follow these tips and are gentle on your skin. You can also choose it to do it less often, depending on how quickly your hair grows and your personal preferences.
• Soak your legs: It’s recommended you soak your legs for at least 10 minutes before shaving them. For this reason, I like to shave at the end of a bath or shower.
• Go against the grain: The skin on your legs is generally tougher than other hairs, so shave against the grain in an upward motion for better results.
• Work your way up: Start at your ankles and slowly and gently work your way up using short strokes for better control.
• Be wary of tricky areas: The knee area is notoriously tricky just because it’s drier and therefore, more prone to cuts. Be gentle and slow here.
• Moisturise: As always, don’t forget to moisturise well afterwards to avoid dryness and soothe skin.

Shaving Tips For Your Underarms 

Here are the best shaving tips for your underarms:

• Frequency: While everyone’s hair grows at a different pace, it’s usually recommended to shave here every day or two, especially in the hot summer months when this area tends to sweat a lot and is usually exposed.
• Lubricate well: Not only the hair here grows in many different directions, giving them a wilder appearance, but the skin is very sensitive and easily probe to cuts, rashes, and irritations. Lubricate well and be gentle when you shave.
• Shave at night: As the area is so delicate, avoid shaving just before heading to the beach, pool or gym. Instead shave at night, so you’ll be ready for the next morning.
• Avoid deodorants: Again, your skin is sensitive, so give it a chance to repair itself before applying anything other than a soothing moisturiser.

Shaving Tips For Your Pubic Area 

Here are the best shaving tips for your pubic area:

• Frequency: This area is super sensitive, so daily shaving is a no-no that can lead to dryness, redness, and irritation. Instead do it weekly.
• Use a soothing shaving cream: Use something with aloe vera or other soothing and moisturising ingredient that minimises friction while shaving.
• Pull skin taut: While shaving, gently pull your skin taut for a smooth surface and use light strokes for better control.
• Direction: Shaving with the grain, unless you’re prone to ingrown hair. Then, do the opposite and shave against the grain.

What Are The Best Shaving Razors?

Now you know how to shave, here are the best razors for the job:

• Flawless by Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover ($19.99): An electric face razor for women with LED light for instant and painless hair removal. Available at Argos and Ulta.
• Gilette Venus Radiant Skin Razor ($39.99): This razor has has 5 Nuluxe blades and an Olay moisturizer dispensing button to moisturise skin while shaving. Available at Ulta.
• Schick Intuition Naturals Sensation Razor ($13.99): Lather and shave in one step with this cleaver razor that puts shave cream right on the blade. Available at iHerb, Target, and Ulta.

The Bottom Line

Shave with confidence. Shaving your hair doesn’t make your hair grow back faster and thicker. It’s a painless way to get smoother skin – as long as you’re gentle with it!

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.