Does shaving increase hair growth?

[willow83]

I think that I am going to have to start shaving my chin and neck, because the hair grows soooo quickly! I currently use nair, but I am already doing that 3 times a week. And the day after I use it there is already dark stubble, plus my skin turns red and gets sore. I can't think of any other option besides shaving, since I have to get rid of the hair there so often. I was wondering if you girls knew if shaving made the hair grow faster, darker, thicker? I have heard that it does, but at the same time that it is just an old wives tale - so what have your experiences been?

And for those who already shave do you use shaving cream, like the same kind used for legs? And also, should I use anything afterwards, like a moisturizer? This is a bit new to me I must admit.

Are there other ways anyone has found that quickly gets rid of hair besides shaving? There is no way that I can afford laser hair removal or anything like that.

Thanks for your adivce!

[Jashobeam]

I've heard it's an old wives tale too. I've been shaving the hair on my feet for over 15 years and it's no darker, thicker, etc. It's the same.

[deborahlou]

Willow83,
I still don't think you should shave. How about tweezing?
Nair and then tweeze. I have bought some great tweezers ( a bit expensive, but worth it) and they work great. To be honest with you, i do believe that shaving increases the hair growth...that's just my opinion tho.

[Jashobeam]

I finally googled it and foudn this at the Mayo Clinic

Q:
Unwanted hair: Does shaving make it grow back thicker?
Is it true that shaving body hair will increase the amount of hair that grows back?

Nate / Wisconsin

A:
No. Shaving hair doesn't create new, active hair follicles. It also doesn't increase the rate of hair growth or the color or length of hair. The color, density, location and length of hair mainly depend on genetic factors as well as hormonal factors.

When you shave body hair, it may feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out. During this phase, it may be more noticeable.

If you have concerns about excessive hair growth, see your doctor. Newer methods for hair removal include the use of lasers. But shaving and waxing are still acceptable and less expensive.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=AN00638

[deborahlou]

Cool! thanks for the info.

[willow83]

Thanks for the info - that makes sense!

[angmboehm]

This is soo embarrassing, but I have been shaving my mustache area and chin for about 2 years now and the hair has NOT grown back faster, thicker, darker. This is the easiest way for me to get rid of the hair since it grows in almost every day. I just use regular shaving cream that I use on my legs.

[willow83]

My hair grows quickly as well, and I'm tired of spending the time messing with creams, especially since it will grow in the next day! I know its embarrasing, but thanks for sharing your experience.

[nomadic_existence]

Originally posted by deborahlou
Willow83,
I still don't think you should shave. How about tweezing?
Nair and then tweeze. I have bought some great tweezers ( a bit expensive, but worth it) and they work great. To be honest with you, i do believe that shaving increases the hair growth...that's just my opinion tho.

I've Naired, Tweezed and shaved and all three cause it grow back just as fast if not faster. I hate it.

[triquetra3509]

this is an interesting link on that subject. it also talks about several other hair falacies - http://www.snopes.com/spoons/oldwives/hairgrow.asp

[SuzanneStar]

I have also done the Nair and tweezing and my hair on my chin and jawline would just grow in fatser and the next day i would have stubble so i thought to myself after 5 years of using creams i needed to shave i was a bit reluctant at first but i find it works a treat and is quick and easy too i use the shave cream and i use baby lotion after .

[VivC]

It really hurts the first few months, but now my skin's used to it.

It's a machine that tweezes a bunch of hairs at a time, for those of you who haven't seen it.