Beards are fashion statements for some and spiritual symbols for others. In today’s culture, men are increasingly supporting this statement and experimenting with different looks, shaping and managing their facial hair using products and tools like beard oils, waxes, shampoos and of course, razors.
But, when it comes to the question of whether shaving actually stops beard growth, the answer is not clear. Much of what we’ve been told and what is available online is essentially hearsay, with nothing to back it up.
So, what does the science say? According to a recent study1 of hykens, one of the most impressive and comprehensive to date, scientists have deduced that there isn’t really an effect on the rate of beard growth when it comes to shaving.
That’s right; the shaving process itself (whether with a razor or other tools, such as an electric shaver) doesn’t have an effect on beard growth as such; what it does have an effect on is the appearance of the beard.
When you shave, the hairs are cut off just above the skin and will grow back, with the resulting hair looking finer, shorter and thinner than before. This is because the shaved hairs haven’t had enough time to thicken and grow to their full length. Over time, however, the hairs will eventually become as thick and long as they would’ve been had you not shaved.
Thus, the process of shaving does not increase or decrease the rate of beard growth. However, it does have some effect on the look of the beard, as it can make it look thinner and more “sparse” in places due to the fact that the hairs have been cut off prematurely.
Does Shaving Stimulate Beard Growth?
It’s a common belief that shaving stimulates the growth of beard hairs, allowing them to grow back thicker and fuller. But, recent studies have shown that this isn’t the case. The same study1 of hykens also concluded that the shaving process doesn’t really have an effect on the rate or thickness of beard hair growth. It is important to note, however, that while shaving itself doesn’t stimulate beard growth, it can help shape the beard, which can be an important factor in achieving the desired look.
In addition to this, some experts2 have suggested that keeping your beard clean and well groomed can help promote its overall health. This means that regular cleaning, conditioning and trimming can help keep your beard looking and feeling its best. And, while this won’t necessarily affect the rate of growth or thickness of the hairs, it can certainly help make them look healthier.
Bottom Line on Shaving and Beard Growth
So, what have we learned? Shaving does not affect the rate of beard growth. It can, however, affect the appearance of the beard, as it can make it look thinner and more “sparse” in places. In addition to this, keeping your beard clean and well groomed can help promote its overall health and make the hairs look healthier. The bottom line is that shaving isn’t going to make your beard grow any faster or thicker. But, it can be a great way to help shape and groom your beard, which may be all you need to achieve the perfect look.
Disadvantages of Regularly Shaving the Beard
Despite the fact that shaving itself won’t affect the rate or thickness of beard growth, it can still have some drawbacks. For example, regular shaving can lead to razor burn, which is an uncomfortable and unsightly condition caused by ingrown hairs and inflammation of the skin. In addition to this, regular shaving can also cause skin irritation and can even lead to acne, as the razor can spread bacteria and dirt from one part of the face to another.
Regularly shaving can also cause the beard to become brittle. This is because, when the hairs are cut off at the root, it removes the natural oils and moisture which help keep them looking healthy and soft. So, if you choose to shave regularly, it’s important to take extra care of your beard. This means using a quality razor and paying attention to the type of shaving cream, aftershave and moisturizers you use.
How to Effectively Care for Your Beard
If you want to keep your beard looking its best, then it’s important to take good care of it. This means washing it regularly with a mild cleanser and following it up with a good conditioner or beard oil. It’s also important to use a good quality trimmer or razor to trim your beard and avoid getting razor burn or irritation. Additionally, regular visits to a barber can help you keep your beard looking sharp, and can also provide advice on how to better care for it.
Finally, it’s important to remember that the rate and thickness of your beard is dictated by genetics, not by how often you shave. So, if you want to grow a fuller, thicker and healthier-looking beard, then it’s important to focus on making sure you’re doing everything you can to keep it healthy.
Conclusion and Final Considerations
Shaving can be a great way to shape and groom your beard, but it won’t have any effect on the rate or thickness of beard growth. In addition to this, regular shaving can lead to skin irritation, razor burn and even the spread of bacteria, so it’s important to take extra care when shaving. Finally, the most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy beard is to make sure you’re taking good care of it by washing, conditioning and trimming regularly.
