Will shaving cause hair to grow back thicker?

July 7, 2009 by  
Filed under Common Beauty Myths

Shaving GirlMyth: Shaving will cause the hair to come back thicker.

Question: Will shaving cause hair to grow back thicker?

Our Answer: Body hair is something that certain men and women are consistently battling over a lifetime. Some believe that in order to be beautiful or good looking, having a smooth hairless body is required. Americans and people all over the world spend countless dollars on hair-removal products, razors, etc. People buy these products to temporarily rid themselves of the unwanted body-hair. When one shaves, does it cause the hair to grow back thicker?

No. Sorry to have come out with it so bluntly. Shaving your body will not cause the hair to grow back thicker. Some people swear that this is happening. What is actually happening is all hairs in a specific region are shaved to the same level and all grow back together. The hairs appear to be more stubby and thicker. Naturally hairs fall out consistently, once shaven they have the chance to grow back together.

The fact is, your body is genetically programmed to grow a certain amount of hair. This is something we cannot escape. However, there are procedures that can stop your body from producing hair in a certain area. Laser surgery, etc.