If I Shave My Head, Will My Hair Grow Back Different?
November 13, 2024 • 6 min read
Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional
Still on the fence about shaving your head? A lot of people wonder if it will change the way their hair grows back.
The short answer is "no." Shaving your head does not make your hair grow differently.
Let's examine the details and dispel "myths" about shaving, such as making hair grow faster or thicker or is shaving head bad for hair.
If You Shave Your Head, Will Your Hair Grow Back?
Yes. Your hair will grow back after shaving your head.
Shaving only cuts hair but doesn't affect hair follicles. Your hair will grow back as long as your follicles aren't dead yet.
Hair follicles are found below the skin's surface, which a razor or electric shaver can't reach.
This is good news for those who regret shaving and think they're better off balding.
Does Shaving Make Your Hair Grow Back Faster?
No. Shaving does not make your hair grow back faster.
How you cut your hair doesn't make it grow faster. The speed of hair growth is determined by your genetics. It will grow at the same rate as before, usually half an inch per month or six inches yearly.
How Long Does It Take for Hair to Grow Back After Shaving Your Head?
The speed of hair regrowth depends on your natural hair growth rate.
Most head shavers see stubble a day or two after shaving. I notice hair growth a day after I shave with my FlexSeries Pro.
Does Shaving Make Your Hair Grow Back Thicker?
No. Shaving your head does not make your hair grow thicker.
Many still believe this head-shaving myth. If it were true, Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, or The Rock would no longer be the sexiest bald men but stars with the thickest hair in show business by now.
“Shaving your head does not make hair grow back thicker, faster, or darker. The hair may appear thicker initially because it is cut bluntly at the surface, but this is just an optical illusion. Hair growth is determined by follicles beneath the skin, which shaving does not affect,” explains Dr. Bullock, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Thicker hair only happens when hair follicles come back to life. Shaving doesn't do this. It only cuts hair on the skin's surface.
Hair does appear thicker and darker when it grows after shaving, but it's just an illusion. Shaved hair is more blunt, making it appear thicker.
Will Your Hairline Change If You Shave Your Head?
No. Your hairline stays the same after shaving your head.
Hairlines recede as a natural progression of male pattern baldness. Everyone starts at Stage 1 in the Norwood scale and may progress to Stage 7, regardless of whether they shave or not.
Not all get to Stage 7, though. Some baldies remain at earlier stages, like Stage 3 or 4, without progressing further.
Will The Color or Texture of My Hair Change After Shaving?
No. Shaving your head does not affect your hair's color or texture.
Hair follicles determine hair color and texture. As we mentioned, they are found beneath the skin and are unaffected by shaving.
People believe the shaving head myth that hair changes color and texture because stubble looks darker and thicker as it grows out.
What are The Pros and Cons of Shaving Your Head?
Shaving is a great option if you're dealing with hair loss but it's not without its challenges. Here's a look at head shaving pros and cons:
The Pros of Shaving Your Head (Benefits of a Bald Head)
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Provides a New Look
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Save Money on Hair Care Products
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Saves Time
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Enjoy Cooler Summers
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Bring Out Your Best Features
The Cons of Shaving Your Head (Drawbacks of Head Shaving)
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Potential Irritation and Ingrown Hairs
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Fewer Styling Options
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Dry scalps
You can learn more about the benefits of shaving your head in our guide.
What's The Best Way to Shave My Head? Manual Razor vs Electric Shaver
You have two choices: a manual razor or an electric shaver. Manual razors give a super close shave but require more care and attention to prevent irritation, and those painful nicks.
For me, the best way to shave a head is by using an electric shaver like Freebird's FlexSeries Pro. It's an Amazon best-seller with high ratings and positive reviews.
It includes freebies worth $60, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days.
The FlexSeries Pro Shaving Kit includes free accessories, namely:
- Upgraded Precision Clipper
- 3, 5, 7mm Safety Guards
- Advanced Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer
- Micro Cleaning Brush
Get one now for only $.
9 Head Shaving Steps for the Best Shaving Experience
If you want a smooth and irritation-free shave, learning how to shave the right way is a must. Here are 9 steps you can take for the best head-shaving experience:
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Choose your weapon (Manual Razor vs Electric Shaver)
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Wash with warm water
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Lather up with shaving cream
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Check for missed spots
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Rinse
The Bottom Line
Shaving cuts the hair and doesn't cause many "myths" and old wives' tales like making hair thicker, changing hair color, or growing hair faster.
We hope this information helps you decide about shaving your head or seeking other solutions for hair loss.
If you've decided to shave your head, you can read our beginner's guide for baldies, which you'll surely find helpful.
Interested to learn about more bald grooming myths like this one? Click on the link.
FAQs
Does Shaving the Head Help Hair Regrowth?
No. Shaving your head won't regrow hair you've already lost. If hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, its permanent since there's no cure for pattern hair loss.
If your hair loss is temporary, like telogen effluvium, you can regrow it through various methods, but not by shaving.
How Fast Does Hair Grow Back After Shaving?
Generally, from half an inch to an inch per month.
I get stubble on my head a day after shaving, and since I shave once a week, I use a trimmer to cut it first.
Does Shaving Your Head Cause Hair Loss or Damage Hair?
No. Shaving does not cause hair loss or damage. As mentioned earlier, hair loss is mainly due to male pattern baldness, telogen effluvium, or traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia happens when you wear tight hairstyles or hats. Our article on hats causing hair loss discusses this in detail.
Will Shaving My Head Help with Dandruff or Dry Scalp?
No. Shaving will not help with dandruff or a dry scalp.
Dandruff is caused by the Malassezia fungus, and you treat it with anti-dandruff shampoo. Read more in our article on how to treat dandruff.
Can Shaving My Head Reduce Hair Breakage or Split Ends?
Yes. Shaving may indirectly help with breakage and split ends by removing the existing damaged hair. New hair growth will be free of breakage and split ends initially, but there's no guarantee that there won't be future breakage.
Is There a Best Time of Year to Shave My Head?
There isn't "a best time of the year" to shave your head. If you're balding, the best time to shave is now! You'll be free from the stress of worrying about hair loss and be more focused on how to improve your new look.
Are Shaved Heads Attractive?
Yes. According to this study, bald men are perceived to be taller, more confident, and more dominant.
Take a look at the trio of Jason, Vin, and Dwayne. What do they have in common? Shaved heads.
I agree with the statement that shaving always looks better than balding.
You look years younger and more confident when shaved rather than being bald on top with hair on the sides.
