Hair removal: How to shave

Table Of Content

• The Best Shaving Skincare Products
• Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream Blue Eagle
• Shaving Tips For Your Pubic Area
• Up Your Skin Care Game With These Must-Have Beauty Devices At Every Price Point

From the time you first picked up a razor to shave your legs, you might have had someone warn you about the potential dangers or mistakes of shaving. You’ve probably heard things like shaving causes razor burns, shaving leads to ingrown hairs and perhaps the most notorious, shaving makes your hair grow back thicker. There seems to be this long-standing myth that shaving can make your hair grow back differently. To find out if there’s any truth to it, we consulted with board-certified dermatologists Dr. Jason Miller of Schweiger Dermatology Group and Dr. Marisa Garshick. Ahead, they’re doing some major myth-busting around how shaving really affects your hair growth.

The Best Shaving Skincare Products

Hair growth is primarily determined by genetics, hormones, and overall health. We pull the skin on our faces or legs taut just so razors can whisk away the undesired hairs sprouting on the fertile landscape of our bodies. After shaving, the hair grows back with a blunt tip and typically feels stubbly and coarse, which is why it can sometimes appear thicker. Plus, the sun and other chemical exposures have not yet lightened the new hair, making it appear darker or thicker. High school is a time filled with experimentation and a lot of learning—and we're not just talking about during school hours. For many of us, it’s a time of immense change and self-exploration.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream Blue Eagle

…men had the hair on their legs shaved with a straight razor and warm water. One to three weeks later, a carefully measured area on each leg was shaved and all the shavings collected. A 10 by 10 em square card was placed just below the patella, with its upper edge horizontal and centered over the patellar tendon. The card was outlined with Micropore tape and then removed.

Shaving Tips For Your Pubic Area

For the best results, you’ll want to shave both against and with the hair growth. You might find that you need to use your razor from side to side to get all of the hair from your armpit. Hair starts in hair follicles; these are located underneath the skin.

And with those many changes (both puberty-related and not) comes the inevitable body hair debate. We know puberty brings more hair growth in certain areas (more on that later), but what exactly to do with that hair—if you choose to do anything at all—isn’t so simple. When shaving your face, wash it first before applying shaving gel or cream. Be sure to gently glide the razor against the skin in the direction that your hair grows.

(Although, in rare instances, excessive waxing, which tears a hair from its root, can eventually reduce growth from certain hair follicles due to the repeated trauma). When you shave, you’re slicing off dead hair at the surface of the skin. Since shaving doesn’t remove hair under the skin like other hair removal methods do, it’s impossible for you to affect its color, thickness, or rate of growth.

According to Longsworth, hairs in the underarm area can grow in many directions, making them appear wilder than other body hair. Plus, the skin here can be especially sensitive, which increases the likelihood of developing a rash, irritation, or general itchiness. Though the potential for nicks, burns, bumps, ingrowns, and irritation is rife, shaving has remained a popular option for those who choose to remove their body hair. And yet, despite its enduring legacy, much of what we know (or think we know) about shaving is downright false. For example, we’re willing to bet you’ve heard that shaving makes hair grow back even faster and thicker. Shaving removes the dead portion of hair, not the living section lying below the skin’s surface, so it is unlikely to affect the rate or type of growth.

Up Your Skin Care Game With These Must-Have Beauty Devices At Every Price Point

Here are dermatologists’ tips to help you get a clean shave. I’ve heard it myself and I’ve read the rebuttals by dermatologists and skin experts. I got to wondering about the actual scientific data underlying the conclusion. Gentle strokes help prevent hair breakage and scalp irritation.

Can my leftovers be healthier than the original meal?

Well, shaving as a method of hair remover does not cause hyperpigmentation. It happens due to the aggressive nature of hair removal repeatedly in one area. In other words, the constant rubbing and scraping of the razor blades against your skin can cause irritation. When that irritation is repeated often, it can darken your skin. No, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that shaving makes hair thicker over time. Hair thickness and density are primarily determined by genetic and hormonal factors, not by shaving.

So, Does Shaving Actually Make Your Hair Come Back Thicker? - HuffPost UK

So, Does Shaving Actually Make Your Hair Come Back Thicker?.

Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The thickness, color, and length of hair (both vellus and terminal) largely varies depending on the individual and even varies within a single individual depending on the area. Shaving hair from our faces, legs, armpits, and other parts of the skin is a daily routine that millions if not billions of people follow. But once the allure of shaving wears off, I’m sure many of us have wondered – why did I ever shave light and fine hair?

The answer is no; shaving has nothing to do with how fast your hair grows or how thick it becomes. You might think that your hair looks thicker or grows faster because of how different the new hair looks when it finally pops through your skin. The act of shaving removes the dead portion of hair, not the living section lying below the skin’s surface, which is why it doesn’t affect the rate or type of growth, according to the BMJ. While this area can have different rates of growth and thickness, Shays says most people shave their underarms every day or two, especially during the summer months.

It can have positive effects such as exfoliation, however, which is good for the skin. You can also prep your skin for shaving with a gentle scrub. “This will slough away dead surface skin cells, which will allow for a smooth shave and promote surface cell turnover,” in addition to minimizing the risk of ingrown hairs, she explained. To set the record straight, shaving does not make your hair grow back thicker.

Now it’s thicker, darker and results in an irritating stubble. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. “Those with curly hair are more prone to develop folliculitis, a skin condition in which follicles become inflamed, than those with straight hair,” Marcus said. “When you shave, it does not change the thickness of the hair,” said Sara Lamb, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at Virginia Commonwealth University.

All the hair within the 10 by 10 cm area outlined by tape was shaved and collected by gentle brushing into a weighing dish. It was dried in a desiccator with calcium chloride overnight. The length and width of 10 dried hairs from each ample was measured with an ocular micrometer standardized against a Neubauer counting chamber. For several months thereafter each man shaved one leg weekly, discarding the shavings, but did not shave the other leg.

On average, the hair on your scalp and lower legs grow about half an inch to one inch per month. After all, you’ve always been told that shaving your hair will make it grow back thicker … in exactly the spots where you don’t want luscious locks to grow. When it comes to shaving their legs, many people can do it as frequently as once a day without experiencing irritation. As we said before, shaving frequency is completely dependent on the person, how much hair they have, how quickly it grows, and their preferences. "If you roughen it up, the hair will be stimulated to grow back," he said, adding that it's just not yet proven the hair grows back thicker.

Microneedling for Hair Loss: Does it really work? Uses & Benefits

Table Of Content

• substantial weight loss over a short period of time
• Does Microneedling Cause Hair Growth?
• AA and AT
• How to Use a Dermaroller for Hair Regrowth
• Step 2: Prepare Your Scalp
• How many sessions of microneedling do I need for acne scars?
• Microneedling Safety and Side Effects

The studies on the use of microneedling for hair growth seem promising, but this technique seems to be even better when paired with topical hair loss medications like Minoxidil. The tiny wounds created during microneedling trigger enhanced blood circulation, which helps deliver an increased amount of nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. Most people have microneedling procedures performed on them by a doctor or aesthetician at a clinic. These professionals have access to high-grade microneedling devices with features such as customizable needle lengths or the ability to emit radiofrequency. Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats skin concerns by stimulating collagen production.

substantial weight loss over a short period of time

Microneedling typically has a shorter recovery time compared to the lasers or chemical peels that are also used to help resurface the skin and improve its texture. Yes, microneedling can help with hair loss by stimulating scalp blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. There is growing interest in the use of microneedling as a standalone and adjunct therapy for hair loss disorders. It is important to note that microneedling is not recommended for patients with active scalp infections, bleeding disorders, or certain medical conditions that affect the immune system. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid microneedling for hair loss. The tiny cuts that come with the rolling of the scalp activate hair cells promoting growth.

Does Microneedling Cause Hair Growth?

However, unlike other hair loss treatments that need to be applied on a daily basis, microneedling can be applied as little as every few weeks. Most studies last a few months and report positive changes in hair regrowth and hair density after 3-6 months. Different microneedling devices or devices with different needle lengths may be used, depending on the treatment or combination of treatments you’ve selected.

AA and AT

Although microneedling can be done at home, both experts recommend scheduling an in-office treatment with a licensed professional. "So that microneedling can support adjunct therapies, outcomes can be tracked and documented, and for the safe administration of therapies," explains Joseph. Rabach adds, "There are microneedling pens that you can buy for home but they are usually less than 1 millimeter. This at-home length is too short to effect change where the hair follicles are, which is usually 2.5 to 3 millimeters deep." Before beginning any microneedling session, it's important to first consult a licensed expert who can customize the treatment to meet your needs. Allegedly, microneedling can boost scalp health in such a way as to treat and prevent hair loss, keeping hair full and healthy for longer. To find out more, we tapped experts Veronica Joseph and Morgan Rabach to let us in on everything there is to know about microneedling for hair growth.

How to Use a Dermaroller for Hair Regrowth

Microneedling treatment has emerged as a versatile and effective cosmetic procedure with applications in hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, and to improve acne scars. Its ability to stimulate the WNT-Pathway, enhance medication delivery, and boost the effectiveness of regenerative therapies makes it a valuable tool in the field of aesthetics and dermatology. However, it’s essential to approach microneedling with caution, considering factors such as needle depth, frequency, and potential side effects. Consulting with a qualified healthcare provider is key to achieving optimal results and ensuring a safe and successful microneedling experience. Microneedling, acting as a monotherapy, already triggers a localized inflammatory response and subsequent release of growth factors within the scalp.

Step 2: Prepare Your Scalp

Microneedles used for do-it-yourself home treatments are usually between 0.1 millimeters (mm) and 0.2 mm long. Microneedles used on the scalp shouldn't be pressed hard enough to puncture the skin or cause micro-wounds that bleed. At-home derma rollers used for hair loss are safest and most beneficial when gently applying topical minoxidil without rupturing the skin barrier. Microneedling won't help other types of hair loss caused by certain drugs (anagen effluvium), such as chemotherapy treatments.

Microneedling Before and After: Photos That Show Results - First For Women

Microneedling Before and After: Photos That Show Results.

Posted: Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

First, your derm or trichologist will cleanse your scalp or the exact area where you would like to stimulate hair growth. Then, using a topical serum they will numb said area so that the treatment is not painful. Finally, they will begin microneedling by puncturing the skin using an electric skin needling pen. Following the procedure, you can expect to see new hair growth in three to six months, confirms Rabach. This leads to a shortened anagen phase, reductions to dermal papillae cell cluster sizes with each re-entry into anagen and, consequently, microvascular degradation alongside progressive hair follicle miniaturization [33–36]. A small 2022 study with 18 participants found that microneedling with 5% minoxidil topical solution once a week for six weeks as part of alopecia treatment showed efficacy and safety.

All of these studies have a consensus on the benefits of microneedling at home. Researchers showed that using Follica's microwounding device to treat female pattern hair loss produced very positive results. Of the five studies with AA and AT subjects, enrollment ages ranged from 16 to 45 years, with a subject-weighted average of 28.34 years.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about microneedling and how it helps with the treatment of various hair loss conditions. The evidence presented in this article will rely on high-quality clinical studies and peer-reviewed papers. This literature reviews summarizes a body of clinical evidence on microneedling for hair loss disorders to evaluate hair loss outcomes, evidence quality, limitations in research, and areas of opportunity for future investigations. In contrast, microneedling is safe, effective, and has very minimal side effects.

These growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), play a critical role in stimulating and encouraging new hair growth. Microneedling for hair loss is a minimally invasive procedure that is generally well-tolerated by most individuals. Additionally, following post-treatment care and a consistent treatment schedule can maximize the potential benefits of microneedling for hair loss. This helps to explain why microneedling has emerged as a buzzy new treatment for alopecia (hair loss), comments Joseph. The sterilized, medical-grade needles used by professional microneedlers are much longer (0.5 mm to 2.5 mm) than do-it-yourself microneedles.

Your provider will also give you instructions on how to care for your skin in the following days. Microneedling is often used to address scarring, particularly scars caused by acne. Those who have conditions like diabetes that may inhibit proper wound healing should also avoid microneedling. For this reason, you should also never share a microneedler with another person. You can find microneedles with needle lengths anywhere from 0.2mm all the way up to 2.5mm.

The number of MN sessions ranged from three to six, with a mean of 4.40 MN sessions per study. The frequency of MN sessions ranged from twice weekly to once monthly, with a mean session frequency of once per 2.64 weeks. The number of MN sessions ranged from 3 to 52, with a mean of 9.53 MN sessions per study. However, issues regarding Microneedling viz; different sizes of needles of the dermaroller, frequency, duration and end point of the procedure are yet to be answered. There was steady increase in target area hair count over 12 weeks in subjects of Microneedling group.

And if you're wondering what is the best at home microneedling tool for you, check out our article on the best derma roller for hair growth of 2023. Microneedling at home helps with a myriad of skin conditions, including hair loss, skin rejuvenation, wrinkles, acne, stretch marks, and scars. It can also help with pigmentation issues, such as melasma and enlarged pore size.

Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review PMC

Table Of Content

• Improves Overall Skin Appearance
• Microneedling Devices Work in Different Ways
• Step 3: Apply the Microneedling Device
• Can You Buy an At-Home Dermapen? Are They Effective?
• Why should you consider microneedling for hair loss at home?

In a 2021 research study, Microneedling may help to increase thinning hairs than Minoxidil. Minoxidile and microneedling are a more powerful treatment alternative to microneedling alone. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle. It is often triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.

Improves Overall Skin Appearance

Three investigations enrolled subjects with hair loss gradients according to Severity Of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, one study enrolled on the basis of severe AA, and one study enrolled on the basis of AT (Table 3). They reduce the look of acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, and can combat alopecia! (1) You will want to follow all the manufacturer’s guidelines on using these devices for the best results. When our muscles repeatedly lift weights, we create tiny “micro-tears” that our body regenerates.

Microneedling Devices Work in Different Ways

Interestingly, Sasaki found that with MN automated pens, needling lengths matched penetration depths up to 1.50 mm [44]. Due to user pressure variability and needle entry angulation, Lima et al. estimated that a 3.00 mm MN manual roller only penetrates to skin depths 50–70% of its needle length [45]. Taken together, equivalent MN penetration depths of 0.60–0.80 mm may be achievable with MN automated pens and MN manual rollers set to needle lengths of 0.60–0.80 mm and 1.25–1.50 mm, respectively. Relatedly, Fernandes postulated that MN device preferences do not matter so long as the skin is penetrated to the same depths [46]. As such, no procedural best practices can be ascertained with the current body of evidence. There isn't an evidence-based consensus on how often to do microneedling for hair loss.

Step 3: Apply the Microneedling Device

Clinical studies demonstrate generally favorable results for MN as an adjunct therapy for AGA and AA. However, data are of relatively low quality and should be interpreted with caution. Due to significant heterogeneity across interventions, comparators, and MN procedures (i.e., devices, needle lengths, session frequencies, and session endpoints), we could not conduct a meta-analysis. Here we discuss the proposed mechanisms of MN, limitations in the current body of research, and design considerations for future studies. Because hair follicle stem cells that trigger hair regrowth are relatively deep beneath the skin's surface, it's hard to reach them using an at-home microneedling device without the risk of injury or adverse complications.

Can Dermaroller help regrow hair?

While cosmetic devices may have an effect, it’s unclear if they stimulate follicles or improve hair growth. This means that DIY microneedling at home may not be able to produce the same level of beneficial results. And unless you’re experienced with this technique, microneedling at home can also increase your risk of a skin infection. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using small needles to create tiny punctures in the scalp.

The Benefits and Risks of Microneedling for Hair Loss - Shape Magazine

The Benefits and Risks of Microneedling for Hair Loss.

Posted: Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You can have a free online questionnaire and image-based consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors to see if a prescription hair loss medication is a good fit for you. After microneedling, it is normal to see a slight pinkness or redness to the skin, or to feel a little inflammation, itching, or stinging. These microneedles will be slightly puncturing your skin, so you need to take extra care to ensure that your microneedler is very clean. Listen to your scalp, and if your scalp seems irritated or it is still healing from using too much pressure previously, do not microneedle that day. Experts recommend starting off microneedling the scalp once a week for the first month, then twice a week for the second month. After that, you can switch to microneedling just once a month for overall maintenance.

Also, the dermapen can reach areas a dermaroller cannot (around the eyes, nose, mouth, and areas of the scalp). These needles also penetrate the skin at a perpendicular angle, leaving smaller micro-wounds with less damage. Our bodies are amazing in their healing abilities, and microneedling simply puts this to good use!

Side effects of microneedling on the head

A total of 22 clinical studies featuring 1127 subjects met our criteria for inclusion. As an adjunct therapy, MN improved hair parameters across genders and a range of hair loss types, severities, needling devices, needling depths of 0.50–2.50 mm, and session frequencies from once weekly to monthly. Microneedling has become a popular treatment for various skin conditions, including acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, recent studies have explored the potential benefits of microneedling for hair loss.

Another study found that microneedling increased total hair count more than minoxidil. Evidently, combining the two treatment options produces even more effective results. Microneedling improves hair loss parameters across a range of hair loss types, needling devices, needling depths, session frequencies, and combination therapies. Overall, microneedling shows potential as a safe and effective treatment for hair loss.

If you’re considering microneedling at home to treat your hair loss, just be sure to manage expectations. Your hair can only grow at a certain rate, which means it can take several months for any improvements from hair loss treatments to become noticeable. Going to a dermatologist’s office or a hair loss clinic for microneedling treatments also allows you access to interesting combination hair loss treatments. For example, treatments like platelet-rich plasma therapy can only be prepared in a lab.

The treatment is often used to address skin concerns like scarring, stretch marks, and pigmentation issues. While microneedling is a potential treatment for hair loss, it’s likely to be most effective when performed under the supervision of a qualified professional or dermatologist. They can ensure the procedure is conducted safely, using the correct equipment and technique, and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Scarring alopecia is a form of hair loss that destroys hair follicles and damages the surrounding skin. It can be treatable with antibiotics, immunosuppressants, topical steroids, and local corticosteroid injections. One clinical trial is taking a completely new approach to regenerating hair follicles in people with scarring alopecia, using a laser and retinoic acid to promote cellular regeneration and restore functional hair follicles.

The same process of creating wounds in the skin is also thought to regenerate the health of the hair follicles. It’s thought that this can result in new hair growth, or perhaps, it may thicken thinning hair as seen in androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Microneedling, also called percutaneous collagen induction therapy, is performed using a handheld, drum- or pen-shaped device, electrically powered, with tiny needles that make precise, microscopic punctures in the skin. These “micro-injuries” do not leave scars; they work by helping to stimulate the skin to repair itself naturally through a process called dermal remodeling. For some hair loss patients, they find that combining the microneedling with a topical hair loss treatment can help them achieve better hair regrowth and thickness than just the medication or microneedling alone.

Significant heterogeneity exists across interventions, comparators, and MN procedures. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are recommended to discern the effects of MN as a standalone and adjunct therapy, determine best practices, and establish long-term safety. Patient subjective evaluation of hair growth at week 12 was a primary efficacy variable. In the Microneedling group, 41 (82%) patients versus only 2 (4.5%) patients in the Minoxidil group reported more than 50% improvement [Table 3]. The target thinning area of 1 cm diameter, on the vertex was defined by two diagonally placed tattoos to ensure reproducibility. Then, the hair counts were obtained from color Macro-photographs of remnants of the shaven hair in the target area.

Don't believe in these shaving myths, and know the facts

Table Of Content

• Related Articles
• Dr Chris van Tulleken has his legs waxed… in the name of science
• Does shaving make hair thicker? Experts weigh in on the common misconception.
• Are energy drinks really bad for us?
• Does shaving make your hair grow back thicker?
• Author's Note: Does shaving really make hair grow back thicker?

Whether it was from your parents before your first shave or your friends when discussing grooming routines we’ve all been told that same thing at some point. Now you know that shaving doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker, the next question on everyone’s lips is, “But Gio, does shaving make hair grow back faster or is that a myth, too? You’ve guessed it, it originates from the same optical illusion that makes you think shaving makes your hair grow thicker. “No hair-removal methods have been shown to allow hair to regrow softer than what was removed,” says Dr. Miller.

Related Articles

But, of course, we shave again before hair has a chance to grow back, so we never see it get back to normal. You can get a wax on any body part where you aren’t applying retinoids, though. Since about 3000 B.C., we’ve been coming up with ways to remove hair that’s considered unsightly, so this whole rigmarole has been going on for a quite a while now.

Dr Chris van Tulleken has his legs waxed… in the name of science

+ There was no evidence that shaving had any effect on the growth of the beard. “Shaving absolutely does not alter your skin or hair in any way. As a matter of fact, it is one of the safest ways of getting rid of unwanted hair on your body as compared to waxing or using chemical depilatories,” says Dr Saheta. This is due, in part, to the blunt bases of your beard hair being exposed.

Does shaving make hair thicker? Experts weigh in on the common misconception.

Many people online believe it to be true — but does shaving really make your hair grow back thicker? As we mentioned above, this body wash is a great pick for prepping and priming your skin before you shave. Formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides, it gently dissolves dead skin cells while helping to soothe and retain skin’s moisture barrier. As a bonus, it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. “Other tips include to cleanse the area using a gentle cleanser and making sure the area is damp prior to shaving to help soften the hairs,” says Dr. Garshick.

Fact Check: No, shaving hair does not make it grow faster, thicker - NewsMeter

Fact Check: No, shaving hair does not make it grow faster, thicker.

Posted: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

As Dr. Garshick explained above, genetics are the main deciding factor when it comes to how quickly your hair grows back. “Some people may notice that hair grows back within one to two days after shaving, though this can vary among individuals,” she adds. And if you’ve heard rumors of a prescription wonder cream that can slow down hair regrowth, well, that’s sort of true — but Dr. Bullock says they’re not really worthwhile. If shaving isn’t giving you the results you’re looking for, consider talking to a dermatologist about other hair removal options.

Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

Contrary to popular belief, shaving hair doesn’t change its thickness, color, or even how fast it will grow back. It’s actually all down to genetics and not your razor. I mean, if you touch the freshly cut hair, yeah, the base is gonna feel a bit coarse. Let it grow again, and you’ll see, it’ll soon be as soft as it was before.

Does shaving make your hair grow back thicker?

What is the scientific evidence that disproves the claims that shaving makes hair grow faster (or thicker)? From my online research I found out that there are two frequently-cited experiments, one from 1928 and one from 1970. In the Western world, shaving is the most preferred mechanism of removing unwanted hair. Unfortunately, shaving is attached to a lot of common myths and misconceptions like hair once shaved grows back thicker or that the skin becomes darker on shaving.

Does Shaving Make Your Hair Grow Back Faster? Experts Unpack 10 Popular Myths. - HuffPost

Does Shaving Make Your Hair Grow Back Faster? Experts Unpack 10 Popular Myths..

Posted: Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Author's Note: Does shaving really make hair grow back thicker?

Women lose their hair too, and while it’s often to a much lesser extent, it can be just as distressing to deal with. However, many people naturally have thin hair and no other health problems so it’s rarely anything to worry about. Hi I'm Steve, and I've been trimming men's hair and beards for 6 years now. Many guys ask me about beard styles, how to grow a better beard, and how to take care of their beards. As a physical exfoliant, we love the Redemption Body Scrub from Aesop. Unlike some scrubs, which can be overly harsh and abrasive, this one is a silky, softening gel blended with finely milled pumice stones and aromatic botanicals.

Shave With a Gel or Cream

It was first debunked in 1928 when a clinical trial showed that shaving had no effect on hair growth. More recent studies have also confirmed that shaving does not affect the thickness or rate of hair regrowth, the researchers who wrote the article said. Hair is not coming back in a more robust way after it’s yanked out by the roots. Still, there are other genetic or hormonal influences that can affect hair growth. That’s because the skin is getting thicker, the nerves are getting thicker and the hair may get thicker, too. The skin here is generally tougher, so most people will be fine shaving against the grain (in an upward motion), though those with ultra-sensitive skin should proceed with caution.

If shaving made hair grow thicker, I'd have a full head of gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen hair by now and a beard like Santa Claus. Pubic hair growth is also comparable to that within the leg and underarm region. The increased androgen production that comes with puberty causes vellus hair in all three areas to turn into terminal hair, increasing hair growth thereafter. Longsworth estimates that hair growth in the area is similar to that of the legs, though it can be a bit faster.

He adds that the best time to apply moisturizer is right after you shower, when your skin is most able to absorb moisturizer. "That's not been demonstrated to be so," Kurt Stenn, a biologist who's studied hair for more than 30 years, told Business Insider. Shaving the rest of your body is purely an aesthetic choice there are no health benefits.

Follow the right technique, otherwise you will have a hard time hiding the nicks from a face shaving accident. Download your FREE 'Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine" cheatsheet to find out what really works to prevent aging and minimise wrinkles (plus, weekly tips). For more information about maintaining your beard, please see our article on how to maintain your beard. Shaving your armpit hair requires several passes because the hair can grow in all different directions.