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A myth about shaving is it causes hair to grow back thicker. But experts say this is false. Trimming helps to maintain hair health, repeated plucking or waxing can damage follicle
When hair grows back after shaving, it may appear blunt or coarse because the razor creates a straight edge. This can make the hair feel thicker to the touch, but there is no change in its actual diameter, or colour. (Getty Images)
Hair removal is a universal aspect of grooming, whether it is shaving your legs, plucking your eyebrows, or waxing unwanted facial hair. Yet, it remains shrouded in myths and misconceptions.
Many people have heard that shaving will make hair grow back thicker, that plucking can permanently damage follicles, or that waxing can change the colour or texture of hair. But how much of this is true, and how much is just old wives’ tales?
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Let us understand the science of hair growth, how various removal methods affect follicles, and what actually happens when hair regrows.
Understanding Hair Growth
Hair is made of a protein called keratin, and it grows from follicles embedded in the skin. Each follicle has a life cycle, including growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (catagen) phases. The length, thickness, and colour of hair are determined by genetics, hormones, and overall health. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, as well as conditions such as thyroid disorders, can also affect hair growth. Because hair growth naturally changes over time, people often misattribute these shifts to their hair removal practices.
For example, teenagers who shave their legs for the first time often notice the hair seems darker or coarser as it grows back. In reality, this is just the natural growth pattern of the hair, now more visible after being cut at the surface, and not a consequence of shaving itself.
What Are The Myths About Shaving?
Shaving is one of the most common methods of hair removal. It involves cutting hair at the skin’s surface with a razor or electric trimmer. A pervasive myth is that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster. However, dermatologists and researchers agree that this is false. Shaving only cuts the hair above the skin; it does not affect the follicle beneath the surface.
When hair grows back after shaving, it may appear blunt or coarse because the razor creates a straight edge. This blunt edge can make the hair feel thicker to the touch, but there is no change in its actual diameter, colour, or growth rate. Over time, as hair continues to grow, it regains its natural tapered end and soft texture.
According to Alan Bauman, the founder and medical director of the Bauman Medical hair transplant and hair loss treatment center, as quoted by The Washington Post, shaving “gets the blame because these natural changes happen around the same time someone begins shaving. In reality, the hair would have matured and become darker and thicker regardless of whether a razor ever touched it.”
Shaving is generally safe for most people and can be done frequently without affecting hair follicles. Using a clean, sharp razor and proper lubrication—like shaving cream or gel—can reduce the risk of cuts, irritation, or ingrown hairs. Moisturising afterward also helps maintain skin health.
What About Trimming?
Trimming is another hair management technique that does not remove hair from the root but shortens its length. While it does not influence growth rate or thickness, trimming is beneficial for maintaining hair health. Split ends, breakage, and tangling can all be prevented by regular trimming, allowing hair to grow in a stronger, more uniform manner.
For facial hair, trimming can also help shape beards and moustaches without affecting the underlying follicles. Similarly, trimming body hair maintains hygiene and aesthetic appearance without any risk of permanent changes to hair growth.
What Are The Potential Risks Of Plucking And Waxing?
Plucking and waxing remove hair from the root, which can have different effects compared to shaving. When done occasionally and carefully, these methods are safe. However, repeated or aggressive plucking or waxing can damage the follicle and surrounding tissue, sometimes leading to long-term consequences.
Plucking: Removing hair with tweezers pulls it out from the follicle. Doing this once in a while is unlikely to cause harm. However, if done excessively over the same area, it can lead to inflammation, follicle trauma, and in some cases, scarring. This can result in a condition called traction alopecia, where hair may stop growing entirely in the affected area. Sensitive areas, such as the eyebrows or bikini line, are especially vulnerable to this kind of damage.
Waxing: Waxing also removes hair from the root, often over larger areas at once. Over time, frequent waxing can weaken hair follicles, leading to finer, lighter hair regrowth. In some cases, especially with aggressive waxing, hair may stop growing permanently in certain areas. Proper waxing technique—including correct temperature, application, and removal—is essential to minimize skin irritation and follicle damage. Allowing sufficient time between waxing sessions also helps preserve follicle health.
What Are The Other Hair Removal Methods?
Beyond shaving, plucking, and waxing, people use depilatory creams, threading, laser hair removal, and electrolysis. Each method has its own implications:
Depilatory creams dissolve hair at the surface but do not affect follicles. They are generally safe if used according to instructions, but some may experience chemical irritation.
Threading pulls hair from the root, similar to plucking, mainly for facial hair. Risks are minimal if done by skilled professionals.
Laser hair removal and electrolysis target follicles directly and can reduce or permanently stop hair growth. These methods are more invasive but provide long-term solutions for those seeking permanent hair reduction.
Myths About Hair Colour And Thickness
A common misconception is that any hair removal method can change hair colour. In reality, natural hair pigmentation is determined by melanocytes in the follicle, not by whether the hair is shaved, plucked, or waxed. Similarly, the idea that hair grows back “thicker” after shaving is a visual illusion caused by the blunt ends of cut hair.
Hair And Skin Health Considerations
While most hair removal methods do not harm follicles permanently, they can affect skin health. Shaving can cause irritation, razor burn, or ingrown hairs, while waxing or plucking can lead to temporary redness or folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). Keeping the skin clean, hydrated, and exfoliated can reduce these risks.
For sensitive areas, using gentle techniques and products is crucial. Avoiding harsh chemicals, using proper tools, and giving hair and skin time to recover between sessions all help maintain healthy hair and skin.
What Are The Safe Hair Removal Practices?
For optimal hair and skin health, consider the following guidelines:
Shaving: Use a sharp razor, shaving cream, and moisturiser afterwards. Shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation.
Trimming: Regular trims prevent split ends and maintain hair quality without affecting follicle health.
Plucking/Waxing: Limit repeated plucking in the same area. Space out waxing sessions and ensure proper technique to avoid follicle trauma.
Hygiene: Always use clean tools to prevent infections.
Patience: Allow hair to grow between sessions when using root-based removal methods to avoid weakening follicles.
What To Conclude?
Shaving and trimming are safe, temporary methods of hair removal that do not alter hair growth, thickness, or colour. Plucking and waxing, when done excessively or incorrectly, can potentially damage follicles over time, leading to thinner or even permanent hair loss in some cases. It is important to understand how each method affects hair, and individuals should make informed decisions about grooming practices.
Hair removal is as much about personal choice and comfort as it is about aesthetics. By adopting safe techniques and maintaining proper skin care, people can enjoy smooth, well-groomed hair without risking long-term follicle damage. Science has finally put many hair-related myths to rest, proving that hair growth is determined largely by biology—not by your razor, tweezers, or wax strip.
About the Author
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev…Read More
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev… Read More
September 22, 2025, 14:40 IST
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