Does Shaving Your Beard Make It Thicker?

If you’ve ever wondered whether shaving your beard makes it grow back thicker, you’re not alone. This is one of the most widely circulated myths in the world of grooming, and it’s often repeated by well-meaning friends, family, and even in the media. 

But the truth is, shaving your beard does not make it grow back thicker. In fact, scientific studies and dermatologists alike agree that shaving has no impact on the thickness or rate of your beard’s regrowth. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the science behind this myth and help you understand what really influences the thickness of your beard. Let’s separate fact from fiction and guide you toward a healthier, more informed beard care routine.

The Science Behind Shaving and Beard Growth

The main reason why people think shaving makes hair thicker is due to how shaved hair regrows. When you shave, you’re cutting the hair shaft at a blunt angle. This blunt edge makes the hair feel coarse and sometimes even darker when it first grows back. 

But here’s the key: this is just an illusion. The blunt tip may feel rougher, but it’s not a sign of the hair actually getting thicker or growing faster.

Scientific research supports this claim. In fact, a famous study by Mildred Trotter in 1928, titled Hair Growth and Shaving, found no evidence that shaving influenced the rate of hair growth or its thickness. Trotter’s study was one of the first scientific explorations of this topic, and its results laid the foundation for what we know today. 

Shaving only cuts the hair at the surface, and it doesn’t alter the hair follicle beneath the skin, which is responsible for the growth and thickness of your beard.

Another key study in 1970 by Y.L. Lynfield and R.C. Macwilliams examined whether shaving impacted the growth of leg hair. Participants shaved one leg weekly while leaving the other unshaved as a control. 

The researchers found no significant differences in the rate of hair growth, thickness, or hair width between the shaved and unshaved legs. These studies, alongside countless others, show that shaving does not alter the basic characteristics of hair growth.

Why Shaving Doesn’t Affect Beard Thickness

To truly understand why shaving doesn’t impact the thickness of your beard, we need to first dive into the biology of hair growth. Your hair grows from follicles beneath the skin, and its characteristics, such as thickness and growth rate, are determined by genetics, hormones (especially testosterone), and overall health. 

Shaving only affects the visible part of the hair: the shaft. It doesn’t affect the follicle or the cells responsible for hair production, so no matter how often you shave, your beard will grow at the same rate and with the same thickness.

The Blunt Tip Effect: 

When you shave, you cut the hair at a blunt angle, which makes it feel thicker or coarser as it grows back. Over time, as the hair grows longer, the tip of the hair naturally tapers and smooths out, and the hair feels softer and thinner. The initial “stubbly” feeling when the hair grows back is often misinterpreted as an increase in thickness.

The Darkness of Regrowth: 

Another reason why shaved hair might seem thicker is because newly grown hair can appear darker. This is because the shaved hair hasn’t been exposed to the sun, which naturally lightens hair over time. When the hair grows back, it may seem darker and denser compared to the rest of your beard, giving the illusion of increased thickness.

Puberty and Hormonal Changes

Many people start shaving during puberty, a time when hormonal changes are making their beards naturally grow thicker and darker. Testosterone levels rise, and so does the density and coarseness of facial hair. 

Because shaving often coincides with this phase, people mistakenly believe that shaving is the cause of their thicker beards. In reality, the thickening of facial hair is due to the body’s natural hormonal changes, not the act of shaving.

Cultural Reinforcement of the Myth

The idea that shaving makes your beard thicker has been perpetuated by generations of anecdotal evidence. Perhaps your father or grandfather told you that shaving would make your beard grow in thicker, and this has been passed down through family or friends. 

Social media, movies, and advertisements have also reinforced this myth, despite there being no scientific evidence to support it.

What Actually Affects Beard Thickness?

So, if shaving doesn’t affect the thickness of your beard, what does?

1. Genetics and Hormones

Your genetics are the number one factor that determines how thick your beard will grow. If your father or grandfather has a full, thick beard, you may be more likely to inherit similar facial hair.

However, if your family members have sparse or patchy beards, you might find that your beard grows the same way.

Testosterone, the hormone responsible for the growth of facial hair, also plays a critical role. During puberty, an increase in testosterone causes the hair follicles on your face to become more active, resulting in thicker, denser facial hair. 

As you get older, your testosterone levels might decrease, which can sometimes lead to thinner or slower-growing facial hair.

2. Beard Care and Health

Taking care of your beard is essential for its appearance and overall health, even if it doesn’t affect the thickness of your hair. Regular washing, moisturizing, and trimming can help improve the look of your beard and prevent issues like dandruff or split ends. Using beard oils or balms can also soften the hair, making it appear healthier and shinier.

While proper beard care won’t change the thickness of your hair, it can definitely make your beard look fuller and more well-maintained.

What Shaving Techniques Have Impact on Beard Health

Although shaving itself doesn’t affect beard thickness, the way you shave can have an impact on your skin and the overall health of your beard. For example:

• Sharp Razors: Using a sharp razor reduces irritation and prevents ingrown hairs, which can negatively impact the appearance of your beard.
  
• Shaving Gel or Cream: A good shaving cream helps to lubricate the skin, preventing cuts and irritation.
  
• Shaving Direction: Shaving in the direction of hair growth helps to minimize skin irritation, reducing the likelihood of razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

What About Other Hair Removal Methods?

Just like shaving, other hair removal methods such as waxing and plucking don’t make the hair grow back thicker either. In fact, waxing in some cases might even lead to reduced hair growth due to follicle damage, but it does not make the hair thicker. Any hair removal method that only cuts or removes hair at the surface won’t change the characteristics of the hair follicle beneath.

Conclusion

So, does shaving your beard make it thicker? The answer is a definitive no. Shaving only cuts the hair at the surface and doesn’t affect how thick or fast the hair grows. The myth likely persists because of the temporary illusion created by blunt hair tips and the coincidental timing of shaving during puberty when facial hair naturally thickens.

Your beard thickness is primarily determined by genetics and hormones, not shaving habits. If you want to achieve a fuller-looking beard, focus on healthy grooming practices, proper beard care, and giving your beard time to grow naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of shaving your beard?

Shaving your beard offers several benefits beyond just grooming. It helps maintain hygiene by removing dead skin cells, which can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs and acne. Shaving also exfoliates the skin, promoting a smoother complexion. It can provide a more professional and youthful appearance, and in warmer weather, it reduces the discomfort of itchiness often associated with beards. Additionally, some find psychological benefits in the ritual of shaving, feeling more refreshed or productive.

Can I make my beard thicker?

Beard thickness is primarily determined by genetics, but there are ways to enhance its appearance. A balanced diet rich in vitamins like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids can support healthy hair growth. Maintaining healthy hormone levels, especially testosterone and DHT, through exercise and diet may help. Beard care products like oils and balms can improve the look by reducing frizz and adding shine. Supplements like biotin and minoxidil may also help in some cases, though results vary.

Why does my beard grow so fast after shaving?

The perception of faster beard growth after shaving is a common myth. Shaving does not speed up hair growth or affect its rate. However, the hair grows back with a blunt, coarser tip, which can feel thicker and appear darker, creating the illusion of faster growth. Hormonal changes during puberty, when many begin shaving, may also contribute to this myth. Scientific studies, including research from Trotter in 1928 and Lynfield & Macwilliams in 1970, found no change in growth rate after shaving.

Is a thicker beard more attractive?

Attractiveness is subjective, but research shows that fuller beards are generally considered more attractive for long-term relationships as they are associated with maturity and masculinity. For short-term relationships, stubble (5-10 days of growth) is often preferred due to its youthful appearance. Cultural and personal preferences also play a significant role. Additionally, a thicker beard can enhance facial structure, particularly the jawline, which may improve perceived attractiveness.

At what age is beard thickest?

Beard thickness tends to peak in a man’s mid-to-late twenties, typically between 25-30 years old, when testosterone levels stabilize. While puberty marks the beginning of beard growth (14-16 years), the beard may be sparse and soft during the late teens to early twenties. Some men may experience continued thickening into their thirties or even forties, depending on genetics. Genetics plays a significant role in how early and how thick a beard becomes.

Are beard genetics from mom or dad?

Beard genetics come from both parents, with the most critical component being the Y chromosome inherited from the father. This chromosome carries the gene for facial hair growth. Additionally, traits such as thickness and density are influenced by autosomal genes, which are inherited from both parents. Beard growth is polygenic, meaning multiple genes from both the mother and the father contribute to the final outcome.