Does shaving make your beard grow faster? It’s a common question among men looking to grow thicker, fuller beards. The truth is that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that shaving your beard will make it grow faster. However, there are some potential benefits to shaving that may help you achieve the look you’re after.
In this article, we’ll explore the evidence around whether shaving can influence beard growth and provide tips on how to get the most out of your shaving routine. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of how to use what you have to get the facial hair you want.
Overview of Beard Growth
Before we jump into the science of shaving and how it can influence hair growth, let’s take a look at the biology of facial hair growth. Facial hair is genetically programmed to grow as an androgenic trait, meaning it will develop in response to male hormones (particularly testosterone). These hormones signal your body to activate the hair growth cycle, with each phase having an impact on how quickly hair will grow.
The growth phase is where the majority of the growth occurs and is also the period where your facial hair can be most susceptible to being affected by external factors. The remaining two phases are the resting phase and the shedding phase. The resting phase is when the hair is in a dormant state and the shedding phase is when hair begins the process of being shed and falling/ breaking off.
Does Shaving Hair Increase Its Growth?
Facial hair is programmed to grow in response to testosterone, so the answer is no, shaving will not make your beard grow faster. It does not influence the production of testosterone, so there’s no reason why shaving should affect facial hair growth in any way. Instead, shaving simply removes the hair that is already in your follicles, causing them to not continue the growth phase and eventually enter the shedding phase. In fact, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that shaving could potentially have a negative impact on your beard growth.
A 2012 study found that a group of men who did not shave had thicker facial hair than a group who shaved daily. This suggests that frequent shaving could actually slow down your beard growth. However, this is not to say that you should avoid shaving if you want a thicker beard.
It’s important to note that this study did not look at the long-term effects of shaving on beard growth. It’s also not clear if these results would be the same for all men of all ages and ethnicities, so further research is needed. We also don’t know whether these results would apply to women, who naturally grow much less facial hair than men.
How to Shave for Maximum Beard Growth
If you’d like to shave around the area while growing out a thick beard, there are a few things you can do to maximize the benefits. First, make sure you use a sharp razor. Dull razors will cause more damage to the follicles and lead to ingrown hairs and other issues.
Next, make sure you are applying the right shaving products for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, choose shaving products that are enriched with moisturizing ingredients. If you have thick, coarse hair like me, you’ll likely want to use a shaving product that includes ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E.
Finally, make sure you are shaving correctly. Shaving against the grain can damage your skin and hair and lead to irritation. Proper shaving techniques can go a long way to help your skin stay healthy.
Applying Aftercare Post-Shave
Once you’ve completed your shaving routine, your work isn’t done. You’ll also want to apply a post-shave aftercare product to soothe your skin and minimize irritation. Post-shaving products are designed to help prevent ingrown hairs, soothe irritation, and minimize redness. Some also include ingredients that promote cell regeneration to help repair any damage done by shaving.
For optimal results, look for products that are enriched with moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and Vitamin E. I have preferred Proraso After Shave Lotion for Men, Refreshing and Toning with Menthol and Eucalyptus Oil for years and I don’t have any plan on changing.
When it comes to the type of product you should use, the choice is yours. What works best with your skin and hair is up for experimentation. While I might prefer an alcohol-based aftershave splash, that might cause inflammation and dryness in many other people and a soothing balm might work better.
Common Shaving Mistakes to Avoid
If you want to maximize the benefits of shaving, you’ll want to avoid these common shaving mistakes.
Don’t rush the shaving process
Rushing can lead to nicks, cuts, and irritation, so make sure you take your time. If you’re in a rush, try using a shower to help soften your facial hair. Steer clear of alcohol-based aftershaves. These can dry out your skin, which can lead to irritation. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a product that is alcohol-free.
Be careful when shaving around your neckline, jawline, and ears
These are the areas where you are most likely to get nicks and cuts. If you’re prone to cuts, try shaving around your ears last to avoid nicking the area. It’s not uncommon for me to nick myself when I’m shaving just below my ears in a rush and I have to pay more attention to that area specifically.
Don’t apply too much pressure
Especially when using a safety razor or straight razor, pressure is your enemy. You want to let the razor do the work for you. Also, you could also slip and cut off half of your mustache like I have a couple times in the past.
Final Thoughts on Shaving and Beard Growth
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that shaving will not make your beard grow faster. At best, it will have no impact on your beard growth (which is what most studies suggest). If you want to maximize the benefits of shaving and grow a thicker beard, make sure you use the right shaving products and follow a proper shaving routine.
You might question “why is shaving important for beard growth?”. The reality of it is that regardless of how awesome or terrible your beard looks, shaving around it and giving it a shape and form will always make it look, grow, and feel better.
