Beards have been popular for a long time, and whether or not you choose to grow a beard or shave it off is up to you. But does shaving your beard make it grow fuller? It’s an intriguing question with a long history and a variety of opinions. Let’s take a closer look.
Reality-wise, the answer is no: shaving does not make your beard grow faster or thicker. Genetics are the main influencer of beard growth, according to the experts. Everyone’s facial hair grows at a different rate and different thickness. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other effects of shaving that might make your beard appear fuller.
One direct result of shaving is that the hairs grow in lighter. According to some barbers, it’s because the hairs have a tapered end when they’re freshly cut, rather than the blunt end they have naturally. This causes the light to reflect differently off the hair, making it appear lighter than it actually is. In addition, hairs that have been cut before will often be softer and make the beard more comfortable to wear.
Another factor to consider is that when you shave, you are effectively cutting away split ends, trimming away any dead hair and allowing the hair to ‘re-birth’, growing in healthier than before. Shaving a beard can also indirectly help to increase the overall volume of hair by removing any clumps and tangles that are making the hair look thinner.
A third point to consider comes from the fact that most of us shave our beards regularly, probably at least once a week. Razors cut off the ends, making each hair look about one millimetre longer than it actually is. This can give the impression that facial hair looks fuller, even if the actual thickness is the same. On top of this, the stubble that grows back tends to look thicker than it was before you shaved.
So, while it’s clear that shaving doesn’t actually make your beard grow thicker, it is possible that it could be making it appear fuller and healthier than before. Ultimately, shaving is a personal choice and you may find that your beard looks thicker and fuller after you’ve been shaving it for a while.
Does Facial Hair Straightening Make It Fuller?
The answer to this is also no. Facial hair straightening, for example with a flat iron, will not make hair thicker. In fact, it can actually damage facial hair, making it look and feel brittle. This can lead to a decrease in volume over time. Moreover, flat irons heat up to high temperatures which can cause even further damage to the follicles and can even create bald spots.
However, facial hair straightening can help to add extra volume as your beard won’t look as flat and limp. This is because the process removes moisture from the hair strands. Moisture is lost in the styling process and the hair appears more voluminous. In addition, using a styling product like a pomade or wax can also add some extra oomph to your beard.
The bottom line is that facial hair straightening won’t make your beard grow thicker. But it can give it a healthy, fuller appearance. But proceed with caution: while styling won’t directly affect the growth of your beard, it can cause damage to the follicles and lead to bald spots.
Will a Beard Transplant Make it Fuller?
A beard transplant is a cosmetic procedure where hairs from the back or sides of the head are transplanted to fill in any patchy spots in the beard. While the procedure can be quite effective, it won’t make your beard grow fuller. In fact, the hairs won’t even grow at the same rate as the hairs you already have in your beard. This means that they may need to be trimmed or groomed more often to maintain an even growth.
Hair follicles are very sensitive and the transplant process can be damaging to them. The newly transplanted hairs can take a few months to adjust to their new environment. They may not grow or react in the same way as the existing hairs, which could affect the overall appearance of the beard.
So, if you’re thinking of getting a beard transplant, it’s important to remember that it won’t necessarily make your beard fuller or thicker. The goal should be to fill in patchy spots and enhance the overall look of your beard, not make it thicker.
What Makes a Beard Fuller?
Genetics are still the number one factor when it comes to beard thickness. Everyone’s hair follicles are different, and some people will naturally have thicker, fuller beards. But there are some steps you can take to encourage facial hair growth and make the existing hair look thicker and fuller.
First, you can use a beard oil or conditioner to keep the hairs hydrated and nourished. This helps to ensure that each hair is strong and healthy, and can give the beard a fuller, shinier look. In addition, you can also exfoliate your skin regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy growth. Finally, you can also use a beard comb to style and divide your facial hair and make it appear fuller.
What About Health Supplements?
Certain health supplements can help stimulate hair growth, but it’s important to remember that the best thing you can do is pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins is key to ensuring healthy and strong beard growth.
In particular, experts recommend getting enough biotin, iron and zinc as these are important nutrients for helping to promote healthy hair follicles. You can find these in foods like salmon, walnuts, avocados and spinach. Supplements can also be beneficial, but it’s best to ask your doctor before taking any. Also, keep in mind that, while supplements may help promote healthy hair growth, they won’t necessarily make your beard appear thicker.
Does Stress Affect Beard Growth?
Stress can have an effect on your beard growth, and decreasing stress levels is important for a healthy beard. Stress can interfere with the natural hormone cycle and prevent hairs from growing. It can also damage follicles, leaving them weaker and more prone to breakage. So, minimizing stress is key to keeping your beard healthy and full.
There are a number of ways to reduce stress, from deep breathing exercises to mindfulness to simply getting enough sleep. Whatever works for you, make sure to take the necessary steps to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing. This will help to keep your beard looking its best.
Conclusion
So, does shaving make your beard grow fuller? The simple answer is no. But it can have a few other benefits, such as removing split ends, tidying up any clumps or tangles, and making the hairs appear longer and lighter. Ultimately, the best way to make your beard look thicker and fuller is to ensure you are taking care of it and giving it the nourishment it needs to stay healthy.
