Beard Growth Myths: Does Shaving Make Your Beard Thicker?

You've probably heard people say that shaving makes your beard grow back thicker. But is this true? Let's look at the facts about beard growth and find out what really helps you get a fuller, healthier beard. Understanding how facial hair grows can help you take better care of your beard and know what to expect as it grows.

The Shaving Myth: Debunked

Scientists have proven that shaving doesn't make your beard grow back thicker or faster. Research shows that shaving doesn't change how thick, dark, or fast your facial hair grows. Scientists have measured hair before and after shaving many times and found no real differences.

So why do people still believe this myth? When you shave, you cut the hair straight across. This can make new growth feel rough at first, but it's not actually thicker. Also, as your beard grows out, it might look darker because of sun and other things, which can make it seem thicker. But these are just tricks your eyes and fingers play on you, not real changes in how your hair grows.

The Science Behind Beard Growth

Your genes and hormones, especially testosterone, are what really control your beard growth. These things decide how thick your beard is, where it grows, and how fast it grows. Knowing about beard growth can help you understand what to expect from your beard. Your genes decide how many hair follicles you have on your face, while hormones control how these follicles work and grow hair.

The Real Secrets to a Fuller, Healthier Beard

While you can't change your genes, there are things you can do to help your beard look fuller and healthier. These tips focus on keeping your beard and skin healthy to support good growth.

1. Proper Nourishment

One of the best ways to help your beard is to feed it well. Good beard oils can make your beard look and feel much better. These oils moisturise your beard and the skin underneath, which helps your beard grow better.

For example, Old Joll's Beard Oil (£22) is made from natural ingredients and helps both your beard and skin. It has oils like mandarin and cedarwood that smell nice and might help your skin and hair grow better. Using beard oil regularly can help stop itching and flaking, and make your beard look fuller and easier to manage.

2. Regular Cleansing

Keeping your beard clean is important for healthy growth. Special beard shampoos can help remove dead skin, extra oil, and dirt that can stop your beard from growing well and make it itchy. Beard shampoos are gentler than regular hair shampoos and keep the natural oils your beard needs to be healthy.

The Miller's Beard Shampoo Bar (from £13) and the Alfriston Beard & Hair Shampoo (£17 for 180ml) are great for keeping your beard clean and healthy. The shampoo bar lasts longer than liquid shampoos, and the Alfriston shampoo is easy to use. Both clean your beard well without removing the oils it needs, leaving your beard soft and ready to grow well.

3. Patience

The most important thing for growing a fuller beard is being patient. Beards grow at different speeds for different people, and it can take weeks or months to see big changes. Taking good care of your beard and waiting are key to getting the beard you want. Remember, beard hair grows in cycles, so sometimes it might grow slower or even fall out a bit. This is normal. Keep taking care of your beard and try not to trim it too much when it's just starting to grow.

Essential Beard Care Routine

To help your beard grow as well as it can, try doing these things every day. Taking care of your beard regularly can make a big difference in how healthy it looks and feels:

1. Daily Moisturising with Beard Oil

Put a few drops of beard oil on your beard every day to keep it and your skin moist. This helps stop itching and makes your beard look healthier. Rub the oil into your beard and skin, making sure it gets everywhere. It's best to put the oil on after you shower or wash your face when your skin can absorb it better.

2. Weekly Deep Cleansing

Use a special beard shampoo once or twice a week to clean your beard and skin well. This gets rid of dirt, oil, and dead skin that can block your pores and stop your beard from growing well. Use warm water when you wash, not hot, so you don't wash away too much natural oil. Gently rub the shampoo into your beard and skin, then rinse it all out and dry with a clean towel.

3. Regular Trimming and Shaping

Trimming your beard regularly helps keep its shape and can make it look fuller. Use good tools to get the best results. Trimming not only keeps your beard neat but also stops split ends, which can make your beard look messy and less full.

Think about using tools like Beard Scissors (£15) for small trims or a full Shave Kit (£44) for taking care of your whole beard. The scissors are good for working on small areas like your moustache, while a full kit gives you tools for different beard needs. Remember to trim your beard when it's dry because wet hair looks longer and you might cut off too much.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Beard

Remember, shaving doesn't make your beard grow back thicker. Instead of believing old stories, focus on what really works: feeding your beard well, keeping it clean, and being patient. By understanding how beards grow and taking good care of yours, you can help it look its best. Every beard is different, so enjoy what makes yours unique, whether it's thick and full or thinner and wirier.

Every beard is special, so find ways to make yours look good for you. This might mean trying different beard styles that work well with how your beard grows naturally or finding the right mix of beard products that work best for your beard type.

Check out our beard care products to start making your beard healthier and fuller today. Remember, growing a great beard takes time. Enjoy watching your beard grow, be patient, and be proud of what makes your beard unique. With the right care and good products, you can have a beard that looks great and feels great too.