Does Your Beard Grow Thicker If You Shave It?
Do you ever wonder if shaving your beard will make it thicker? The idea that shaving promotes beard growth is a common misconception. However, unfortunately, it’s simply not true. While shaving may give an appearance of thicker facial hair, it can actually do more harm than good.
When you shave, the razor cuts each strand of hair evenly and close to the skin. This results in a blunt edge that makes the hair look a little thicker while it’s short. Over time, you may notice that your facial hair becomes more sparse in places as the blunt ends break off and the hair doesn’t have time to regrow. This can give an overall lighter appearance.
Facial hair also grows at different rates. Depending on your genetic makeup and hormones, your beard will grow at an individual speed. This means that it may take years for your beard to reach its full potential. If you shave more often than it can grow in, the results will be an increasingly shorter and thinner beard – the opposite of what you might have been expecting.
Hormones, genetics and lifestyle all come together to determine how genuine facial hair will grow. A healthy diet, adequate hydration and plenty of rest can all help encourage adequate growth, while smoking and excessive sun exposure can also hurt your beard’s development.
Beards also require special care that many people overlook. Shampooing, brushing, combing, and conditioning are all essential. Not only can this help keep your facial hair moisturized of split ends, it can also help stimulate circulation where the follicles are located. This in turn will enable more nutrients and oxygen to the beard, leading to healthier and fuller growth in the long run.
In general, shaving regularly won’t make a big difference in terms of thickness or density. For the best results, you’ll need to take care of your facial hair and understand its unique cycle. With proper care and maintenance, your beard can look lustrous and full.
Nutrition
Eating nutritious meals is essential for stimulating beard growth. Adding more essential vitamins and minerals to your diet can help nourish the follicles. Vitamin C, for instance, helps your body produce collagen, which can strengthen the hairs and make them more resistant to damage. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is an antioxidant that can repair cells and promote healthy growth. Vitamin B complex can also help revitalize the follicles.
In addition to vitamins, plenty of protein is also important. This is because protein helps build keratin, an essential substance for encouraging hair growth. Eating plenty of meat, fish, and eggs can provide your body with adequate amounts of protein, giving your beard a chance to rebuild and regrow.
It’s also important to pay attention to other elements of your diet. Drinking plenty of water, for example, keeps your skin hydrated, encouraging more enriched follicle growth. Caffeine, on the other hand, can temporarily reduce blood flow to the hair follicles and stunt growth.
Grooming Habits
A little grooming might be just what your beard needs. Regularly combing and brushing your beard encourages growth and not just of your facial hair. It can also help evenly distribute natural oils, making it softer and more controlled.
Using beard oil can also help supplement your natural levels of oil and direct essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Additionally, it can act as a barrier to protect from harsh environmental factors and keep the skin underneath healthy and hydrated.
Adding a beard balm to your grooming routine can be a great way to tame and style your facial hair. Many balms also have various ingredients that can promote healthier and fuller beard growth, making them ideal for everyday use.
Genetics and Hormones
Ultimately, genetics are the main determinant of beard thickness. All men have different amounts and configurations of facial hair follicles, making them grow at different rates. This means that some men may never need to shave, while others might need to do it often.
Hormones also play an important role in your beard’s development. Androgens such as testosterone are responsible for facial hair growth. Unfortunately, many men have low levels of androgens, making it difficult to grow a full beard.
If your hormones and/or genetics are making it difficult to grow a full and thick beard, there are a few options available. Many people opt for natural supplements that have been found to stimulate hair growth. Additionally, seeking the advice of a doctor may help identify any underlying causes and point out possible treatments.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle choices can also affect your beard’s growth. Stress and lack of sleep, for example, can interfere with the hormonal balance in your body, making it harder to grow a healthy beard. Smoke from cigarettes also affects facial hair growth, as it limits its natural ability to receive oxygen and other essential nutrients.
In addition to avoiding stress and hard work, reducing sun exposure and drinking enough water will help your beard grow properly. Sun damaging UV rays can dry out scalp and facial hair, making the whispy and brittle and causing them to latch on to the surrounding hair. Proper hydration is also important, as it helps the skin stay healthy and can aid in overall hair growth.
Hair Removal Methods
Finally, the type of hair removal method you use can make a difference. Some people swear by waxing, for example, claiming that the hormones released help stimulate follicle growth. However, it can be a painful process and needs to be done regularly.
On the other hand, depilatory creams can provide quick and easy results but they can also cause chemical burns. Laser hair removal may also be a good option but it takes a while to see the results. Ultimately, the best way to achieve fuller facial hair is to leave it alone and let it grow naturally.
