We’re pretty sure almost everybody has been told ‘If you shave your beard, it’ll grow back faster’, but how true is this suggestion? Once you hear something so many times it might seem like there’s some truth in it, but is there? We’ll look more closely at this below.
Shaving DOES NOT make your beard grow faster
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that shaving impacts your beard growth. It simply cannot be proven and no matter how many times you hear it, it won’t become true. Instead, there are lots of different elements at play which influence your beard growth and similarly, when you shave.
What happens when you shave?
Shaving is simply the process of cutting your hair at the skin’s surface. That’s all there is to it. The follicles which are responsible for hair production are not involved in the process at all. Shaving does not alter the follicle or speed up the process. Instead, it gives the appearance that your hair grows back thicker.
The reason for this illusion lies in the shape of the hair shaft. Hair tapers at the end, meaning it’s thinner at the tip than at the base. When you shave, you remove this tapered tip, leaving a blunt edge. As the hair begins to grow back, the blunt end may make the hair look and feel coarser but in reality, it’s the same thickness and will grow at the same length too.
Science meets Beard
Facial hair growth is primarily influenced by hormones, specifically testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones stimulate hair follicles, causing facial hair to grow. The amount and pattern of your beard are largely determined by genetics, which means some men naturally grow thicker and faster beards than others. No amount of shaving will change these biological factors.
Age also plays a role. In your teens, beard growth may be sparse or patchy, but it tends to become fuller as you age. Patience is key when it comes to beard growth, as your beard will naturally thicken with time.
What really influences beard growth?
While shaving won’t make your beard grow faster, several factors can impact how quickly and fully your facial hair comes in.
Your genes
If your father or grandfather had a thick, full beard, you’re more likely to grow one as well. On the flip side, if they struggled with patchy growth, you might face the same challenges. Unfortunately, there’s no way to change your genetic makeup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your beard-growing potential.
Your hormones
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout your life and can influence beard growth. If your testosterone levels are low, you may experience slower facial hair growth. If you suspect hormone levels are affecting your beard, it’s worth speaking to your doctor and getting your hormone levels checked.
Your lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of sleep, high-stress levels, and smoking can all slow down hair growth, including facial hair.
How to boost your beard growth
Shaving is not your ticket to a bigger, bushier beard, but you can improve its growth with these tips:
Watch your diet
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, can support hair health. Protein is also essential, as hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein-based structure.
Keep fit
Regular physical activity improves circulation, helping nutrients reach the hair follicles more efficiently. Exercise also increases testosterone levels, which can further stimulate beard growth.
Drink water
Dehydration can lead to dry skin and brittle hair, making it harder for your beard to grow in thick and healthy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and hair well-hydrated.
Minimise stress
Stress can negatively affect many aspects of your health, including hair growth. High levels of stress can cause hair thinning and even hair loss.
Care for your Beard
Use a quality beard oil or balm to keep your facial hair moisturised and healthy. These products can also reduce itchiness during the early stages of growth, making the process more comfortable.
The truth about shaving and beard growth
So no, shaving does not make your beard grow faster or thicker. The appearance of coarser hair after shaving is merely an illusion. Your beard’s growth is mainly influenced by genetics, hormones, your health and your age.
Even if you’re not predisposed to bold and bushy beard growth you can take steps to boost it and with the right care and attention, you’ll have a beard to be proud of too.
We’re pretty sure almost everybody has been told ‘If you shave your beard, it’ll grow back faster’, but how true is this suggestion? Once you hear something so many times it might seem like there’s some truth in it, but is there? We’ll look more closely at this below.
Shaving DOES NOT make your beard grow faster
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that shaving impacts your beard growth. It simply cannot be proven and no matter how many times you hear it, it won’t become true. Instead, there are lots of different elements at play which influence your beard growth and similarly, when you shave.
What happens when you shave?
Shaving is simply the process of cutting your hair at the skin’s surface. That’s all there is to it. The follicles which are responsible for hair production are not involved in the process at all. Shaving does not alter the follicle or speed up the process. Instead, it gives the appearance that your hair grows back thicker.
The reason for this illusion lies in the shape of the hair shaft. Hair tapers at the end, meaning it’s thinner at the tip than at the base. When you shave, you remove this tapered tip, leaving a blunt edge. As the hair begins to grow back, the blunt end may make the hair look and feel coarser but in reality, it’s the same thickness and will grow at the same length too.
Science meets Beard
Facial hair growth is primarily influenced by hormones, specifically testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones stimulate hair follicles, causing facial hair to grow. The amount and pattern of your beard are largely determined by genetics, which means some men naturally grow thicker and faster beards than others. No amount of shaving will change these biological factors.
Age also plays a role. In your teens, beard growth may be sparse or patchy, but it tends to become fuller as you age. Patience is key when it comes to beard growth, as your beard will naturally thicken with time.
What really influences beard growth?
While shaving won’t make your beard grow faster, several factors can impact how quickly and fully your facial hair comes in.
Your genes
If your father or grandfather had a thick, full beard, you’re more likely to grow one as well. On the flip side, if they struggled with patchy growth, you might face the same challenges. Unfortunately, there’s no way to change your genetic makeup, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your beard-growing potential.
Your hormones
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout your life and can influence beard growth. If your testosterone levels are low, you may experience slower facial hair growth. If you suspect hormone levels are affecting your beard, it’s worth speaking to your doctor and getting your hormone levels checked.
Your lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of sleep, high-stress levels, and smoking can all slow down hair growth, including facial hair.
How to boost your beard growth
Shaving is not your ticket to a bigger, bushier beard, but you can improve its growth with these tips:
Watch your diet
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, can support hair health. Protein is also essential, as hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein-based structure.
Keep fit
Regular physical activity improves circulation, helping nutrients reach the hair follicles more efficiently. Exercise also increases testosterone levels, which can further stimulate beard growth.
Drink water
Dehydration can lead to dry skin and brittle hair, making it harder for your beard to grow in thick and healthy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and hair well-hydrated.
Minimise stress
Stress can negatively affect many aspects of your health, including hair growth. High levels of stress can cause hair thinning and even hair loss.
Care for your Beard
Use a quality beard oil or balm to keep your facial hair moisturised and healthy. These products can also reduce itchiness during the early stages of growth, making the process more comfortable.
The truth about shaving and beard growth
So no, shaving does not make your beard grow faster or thicker. The appearance of coarser hair after shaving is merely an illusion. Your beard’s growth is mainly influenced by genetics, hormones, your health and your age.
Even if you’re not predisposed to bold and bushy beard growth you can take steps to boost it and with the right care and attention, you’ll have a beard to be proud of too.
