Does Clean Shaving Make Your Beard Thicker?
While many men believe that clean-shaving promotes thick beard growth, research suggests otherwise. Many factors influence how thick and full a man’s beard growth may be, including genetics, hormones, medications, age, and nutrition. Thus, while it may be comforting to believe that clean shaving strengthens beard growth, it is highly unlikely.
Some people suggest that clean-shaving helps to train the direction of the beard. While it is true that some beard styles require regular regular grooming and trimming, “training” does not necessitate frequent clean-shaving. Similarly, “conditioning” of facial hair is better achieved through the use of products such as waxes and balms, as well as through regular combing and brushing.
Others suggest that clean-shaving acts as an exfoliator, removing dead skin and encouraging thick regrowth. Exfoliation of skin can also be achieved with other methods without the need for clean-shaving, such as the use of facial scrubs and brushes. Additionally, exfoliation treatments may irritate the skin and cause redness, dryness, or even cause scarring. Thus, men should take this into consideration when considering clean-shaving to promote thicker beard growth.
In addition, people often claim that clean-shaving triggers thicker growth by removing excess oil and dirt that clog follicles, allowing new growth to flourish. While it is indeed beneficial to rid the skin of buildup that may affect skin health and facial hair, there are other methods of doing so, such as regular washing with a gentle cleanser and exfoliating treatments. For example, a mild cleanser combined with a facial scrub can help to remove excess dirt, oil and product buildup on the surface of the skin and the facial hair follicles. In other instances, using a clarifying shampoo body wash has been shown to help reduce product buildup.
Overall, there is no scientific evidence supporting the notion that clean-shaving will make a man’s beard thicker. While it may be true that some form of grooming is necessary for certain beard styles, clean-shaving does not appear to be beneficial for promoting thicker beard growth. Therefore, instead of turning to clean-shaving, men may want to focus on factors such as genetics, hormones, medications, age, and nutrition. Additionally, they should practice regular gentle skincare routines, such as washing the face with a mild cleanser and exfoliating a few times a week.
Hormones and Age
One of the most influential factors in beard thickness and fullness is hormones. Testosterone is largely responsible for beard growth. As men age, their bodies stop producing as much testosterone, thus slowing beard growth. Additionally, medical conditions such as pcos, testosterone-lowering medications, or stress can also affect a man’s ability to grow a thick beard.
There is evidence to suggest that increasing testosterone levels can be beneficial in promoting thicker beard growth. This can be achieved through diet, lifestyle changes, and supplementation. For instance, increasing fat intake, reducing stress levels, or adding zinc and Vitamin D supplements have been shown to have a positive role in promoting thicker beard growth.
In addition, age has also been linked to beard thickness and fullness. In general, a man’s beard growth will start to peak in the late twenties and may start to thin out by the late thirties. However, there is evidence to suggest that genetics may also play a role in determining how thick and full a man’s beard growth can become.
In essence, while clean-shaving may be a preferred and attractive grooming option for some individuals, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it can make a man’s beard thicker and fuller. Instead, beard thickness and fullness can be determined by a variety of factors, including hormones, age, and genetics. Men should try to focus on these elements if they are looking to improve their beard growth.
Nutrition and Genetics
Nutrition is another factor that may affect the look and feel of beard growth. A diet rich in protein, biotin, and other vitamins and minerals can help promote thicker and fuller beard growth. Additionally, a balanced diet, one that is rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, can also help promote skin, hair, and beard health.
In addition, genetics is also a factor that can affect beard fullness and thickness. There is a mix of both environmental and genetic influences that can determine the quality and character of an individual’s facial hair. Men cannot control the genetics passed on to them by their parents, however, it is important to note that different genetic combinations can have an effect on a man’s beard growth.
Overall, there is no scientific proof that clean-shaving will help to promote thicker beard growth. Instead, men should focus on the factors that play an important role in determining the look and feel of their facial hair, such as hormones, age, nutrition, and genetics. Additionally, they must remember to practice gentle facial care and not to rely solely on clean-shaving in order to achieve their desired beard look.
How to Care for Facial Hair
Now that we have discussed the factors that influence beard growth, let us take a look at how to properly care for a man’s facial hair. Proper care of facial hair can help make it look and feel thicker and fuller, even if a man’s genetics or hormonal levels limit thick growth. Proper care will also help to keep the hair healthy and can help promote thicker growth.
First and foremost, men should make sure to use the right products for their respective facial hair type. A beard shampoo and conditioner should be used to help keep the beard clean, hydrated and healthy. Regular brushing and combing with a beard brush or comb will help to exfoliate the skin, stimulate blood circulation, and remove dead skin and product buildup from the facial hair follicles. In addition, using a good quality beard oil can help to nourish the facial hair and keep it soft and manageable.
Second, regular trimming can help to promote even growth, as well as to make the beard look thicker and fuller. During trimming, men should avoid going too short and instead focus on maintaining the length they desire while ensuring that the beard looks even on both sides. Furthermore, men should also use trimmers with adjustable blade guards to make sure that they do not cut the beard too short.
Finally, although clean-shaving may not necessarily help to promote thicker beard growth, it can help to keep facial hair under control and can help keep beards neat and groomed. Men should remember to invest in quality razor blades and products such as pre-shave oils and post-shave balms. This will help to ensure that the skin remains hydrated and healthy.
Topical Products for Promoting Beard Growth
In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are a few topical products available for increasing beard growth and making the beard look thicker and fuller. The most popular beard growth products are minoxidil and finasteride, which are FDA approved topical medications. Minoxidil is commonly used for treating male pattern baldness and has also been found to help promote facial hair growth. Finasteride, on the other hand, is typically prescribed to help treat enlarged prostate glands. Studies have shown that men treated with both minoxidil and finasteride were able to achieve greater beard thickness and fuller facial hair.
Aside from topical medications, there are also a number of natural ingredients that have been proven to help hair growth, including saw palmetto, caffeine, and pumpkin seed oil. While it is important to speak to a doctor before adding any of the aforementioned medications or supplements to one’s daily routine, adding certain natural ingredients such as saw palmetto to shampoos or oils may help encourage greater facial hair growth.
Finally, in addition to minoxidil, finasteride and natural ingredients, laser therapy is another option for stimulating beard growth. The principle behind laser therapy is that it helps activate and stimulate dormant hair follicles. The procedure involves using a light therapy device to target the hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Laser therapy has been found to help promote both beard growth and to make the beard appear thicker and fuller.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no medical evidence to suggest that clean-shaving can promote thicker beard growth. While it may help to maintain the desired style and length of facial hair, there are other factors that can affect beard growth, including hormones, age, nutrition, genetics, and even lifestyle choices. To help promote thicker beard growth, men should invest in quality shampoos, conditioners, and oil treatments, practice regular trimming, and consider using topical medications or laser therapy.
