Does shaving and trimming really make hair grow faster?

You’ve probably heard it from a buddy or even seen it on the internet: “If you shave or trim, your hair will grow back faster and thicker.” But is there any truth to this claim, or is it just another one of those grooming myths that refuse to die?

The truth behind the myth

First things first, let’s debunk the myth. The idea that shaving or trimming makes your hair grow back faster, thicker, or darker is simply not true. 

When you shave, you’re cutting the hair at the surface level of your skin, not affecting the hair follicle beneath. 

This means that shaving doesn’t influence the rate of growth or the thickness of the hair.

For most men, hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, regardless of whether you’re shaving, trimming, or letting it grow wild and free.

So why does it sometimes feel like your hair is thicker after you’ve shaved? It’s all about perception. 

When you cut hair, you’re creating a blunt tip. As this blunt tip grows out, it can feel coarser or thicker to the touch compared to the softer, tapered end of an unshaven hair. 

However, this doesn’t mean the hair is actually thicker; it just feels that way because of the bluntness of the cut. This is usually also one of the reasons for ingrown hairs.

Your hair grows at its own pace, governed by your genetics and hormones, and not by the phases of the moon this weird Gen Z TikTok girl might have told you.

The impact of genetics, hormones and race

Now, while shaving and trimming don’t make your hair grow faster, genetics and hormones certainly do. 

Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining how fast your hair grows, how thick it is, and when it falls out. 

Similarly, hormones like testosterone can impact hair growth. Higher levels of testosterone, for example, can lead to faster and thicker hair growth in certain areas of the body.

When it comes to hair growth, race and ethnicity can play a significant role in the characteristics of your hair. 

People of different racial backgrounds often have varying hair textures, thicknesses, and growth rates. Lets have a look.

• Individuals of Asian descent tend to have the thickest hair strands, which can make their hair appear denser, even if the growth rate isn’t necessarily faster. 
• Those of African descent might experience slower hair growth, but their hair tends to be more coiled or curly, which can affect how long it appears. 
• Caucasian hair often falls somewhere in between, with a range of textures and growth rates. 

These differences are largely due to genetics, which dictate not only the color and texture of your hair but also how fast it grows and how thick it is. 

Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations for your grooming routine, regardless of your race.

Trimming: the benefits beyond growth

While trimming doesn’t speed up hair growth, it does offer some benefits that you shouldn’t overlook. Regular trimming can make your hair look healthier and fuller. 

By getting rid of split ends and preventing breakage, trimming can give the appearance of thicker hair. 

This is particularly true for the hair on your head, where healthy, well-maintained hair can look more voluminous, even if it’s growing at the same rate as before.

When it comes to grooming down there, the same principles apply. So knowing how long it takes for your pubic hairs grow back, gives you a better insight in how often you should shave your balls.

Trimming your pubic hair won’t make it grow back faster or thicker, but it can help you maintain a cleaner, more comfortable look. 

Plus, a well-groomed groin area can help reduce sweaty balls and odor, making you feel fresher throughout the day. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?

The bottom line

So, does shaving or trimming make your hair grow faster? Nope, that’s a myth. 

But just because it doesn’t speed up growth doesn’t mean you should abandon your grooming routine. 

Regular trimming can help you look and feel your best, keeping your hair healthy and your style on point. 

And when it comes to below-the-belt grooming, a little trim can go a long way in keeping you fresh and comfortable.

So, keep on grooming, gents, but do it for the right reasons. Your hair will grow at its own pace, no matter how often you reach for that razor or trimmer. 

And while you’re at it, why not check out our top-notch grooming products? We’ve got everything you need to keep looking sharp and feeling fresh—no myths attached.

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