The Science Behind Shaving for a Thicker Beard
It’s common knowledge that shaving can help you shape and manage your beard custom to your own preferences and needs. However, many people wonder if shaving more often makes the beard thicker over time, or if it’s more of a myth than a fact.
Shaving does alter the rate of hair growth at the roots, and the razor is designed to cut the hair at its base. If a person gets a close shave, the hair will have a different end point or “break point” than when it’s not cut as closely. This is because when hair is cut, it often leaves behind a short, thickening effect.
Ultimately, what this means is that shaving can potentially lead to a denser beard, or at least the appearance of one. But this varies from person to person – depending on the type of beard we’re dealing with. For instance, some men may be genetically prone to thick and dense beard growth, while others may benefit from a shaving regimen to help make the hair look denser over time.
Before making any changes to a beard-shaping routine, it’s a good idea to first speak to a dermatologist or trichologist (a doctor who specializes in hair and scalp health) about what’s best for their individual hair type. If there’s no underlying medical condition causing thin facial hair, and the goal is a denser beard, then a thought-out and intentional shaving regimen may be a good option.
The Right Preparation is Crucial
Simply shaving more often won’t automatically give you a thicker beard. In fact, the opposite may happen if you’re not properly prepared. To get the most benefits, it’s essential to prepare your skin and facial hair before shaving.
Firstly, make sure to always use a sharp razor. Duller blades will create a harsher shave, damaging the follicles and hairs in the process. Temperature is also an important factor; using warm water can help to soften the hair, which in turn helps to reduce the chance of skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and inflammation. Lastly, applying a pre-shave oil or balm can help nourish and protect skin while shaving, too.
When shaving, it’s best to have a steady hand. This means going with the grain of the hair and avoiding pulling or tugging the skin. Razor burn can also be a common side effect of a too-close shave – patches of red, inflamed skin sometimes caused by the friction of the razor, which can also dry out the skin. As such, it’s important to moisturize thoroughly afterwards.
Making sure to use the right tools, technique and products is crucial if you want to create a denser-looking beard. However, the most important tip is to only shave as often as you need to – over-shaving can lead to problems like a lack of protective sebum, which can hinder healthy facial hair growth.
Are There Alternatives to Daily Shaving?
While a daily shaving regimen may provide some temporary benefit to the appearance of facial hair density, there are also other options for achieving a thicker-looking beard. For instance, products like the beard growth oils (also known as stimulators) have become increasingly popular.
These oils contain natural ingredients like Vitamin E and plant extracts that can help nourish and moisturize the beard while promoting healthy growth. Furthermore, they can help make the beard look fuller and thicker as they condition and protect the hair follicle while encouraging thick, healthy regrowth.
Which is best? That depends on individual goals and preferences; some people may find that shaving every day works best with their facial hair, while others may prefer to use natural oils and serums to keep the hair healthy. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice – and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Tips for Managing a Thicker Beard
Once you’ve achieved a thick and healthy-looking beard, it’s important to maintain it so it can keep up its unruly look – that is, of course, unless you’re going for a more structured cut and shape. Then, you’ll need to use styling products like balm, wax, or pomade for straying strands or singular flyaways.
You’ll also want to deep-condition periodically. You can buy specialized products such as beard butter and conditioner specifically formulated to help ensure a soft, healthy beard. Combing with a good beard comb and brushing with a boar bristle brush can help remove debris while simultaneously stimulating the skin and hair follicles, encouraging natural oil production, improving texture, and promoting beard growth.
Additionally, be sure to keep the hair and skin hydrated. Drinking plenty of water daily and avoiding hot showers or excessive washing can help keep a balance between oiliness and dryness. And, it’s key to make sure the skin beneath the beard is well cared for too. Applying a moisturizer specifically designed for beards after every shave is a great way to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
Myths and Misunderstandings About Shaving for a Denser Beard
There are still a lot of misconceptions and myths regarding the health of facial hair that are widely believed, and it’s important to distinguish fact from fiction. For instance, some people believe that shaving too often causes hair to become coarser, but this is simply untrue. Shaving doesn’t affect the texture or coarseness of the hair, only the visible length and density.
Others mistakenly think shaving causes beard growth to become uneven or patchy or can completely stunt or disrupt its development. In reality, shaving can actually help to create the illusion of an even beard, since all the hairs have a uniform break point. As long as you’re cutting the hair properly and with the right precautions, it’s unlikely that shaving will cause patchiness or stunted growth.
Overall, if done properly and maintained with the right products, a regular shaving regimen can create the illusion of a thicker and denser-looking-beard. But the most important part is to find what works best for your own facial hair, in order to achieve the desired results and keep it looking healthy too.
Other Factors Impacting Beard Growth
Apart from the abovementioned, there are also other factors that can affect beard growth – both positively and negatively. Genetics are a significant part of the equation, but lifestyle choices, age and stress levels can also play a role.
Nutrition is also key. Eating a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help support hair growth. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as zinc and iron, can also stimulate and maintain healthy beard growth. Additionally, certain nutritional supplements specially formulated to support facial hair growth are available on the market, although again it’s best to speak to a doctor or nutritionist first before taking any of these.
On the other hand, smoking, drinking alcohol, and some medications may hinder proper facial hair and skin health. Working out and managing stress levels are just as important when it comes to achieving thicker facial hair, as these activities have been linked to better hair growth and overall body health as well.
Conclusion
In short, shaving more often can potentially increase the appearance of facial hair thickness over time. However, it’s important to do it properly with the right techniques and products; and understand the other factors that can impact beard growth and health. Finding the right balance and routine is essential for achieving the desired results – and remember to always follow the advice of a dermatologist or trichologist.
