Fact or Myth: Shaving hair makes it grow back thicker

By: Heather Mayer

Posted: 1/19/07

MYTH

As you stand there holding your triple-bladed razor wondering whether or not to shave your happy trail, you might think the hair will grow back thicker. After all, doesn't it seem that freshly-shaven legs or face are eventually overtaken by thick strands of dark-colored hair?

Fear the hair no longer! Paul Birnbaum, doctor of dermatology at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, said shaving will not cause hair to grow back thicker. Hair thickness depends on a number of factors, including the number of hair follicles and genetics.

"The number of hair follicles clearly doesn't change by shaving," Birnbaum said. "(Thickness) is not affected by shaving. The only thing that affects (thickness) is what goes on in the follicle."

Go ahead, shave away that unibrow, upper lip or toe hair. It may be stubbly and weird, but it won't be any thicker on its way back.