Hair removal is a common part of modern beauty routines, with both men and women shaving the hair on their legs, faces, armpits and other areas.

Despite us all shaving so regularly, there is a myth surrounding hair removal that refuses to go away: that hair grows back thicker, longer, stronger, darker and faster when it is razored off.

If science has debunked this myth since as early as 1928, why does it remain so pervasive?

The facts

Hair has a tapered end and wide base, so when it is shaved at the skin, it creates blunt ends which look and feel coarse and thick to the touch.

This also occurs when using hair removal creams.

It’s this observation which leads people to believe it is growing back thicker. As it grows, the end slowly wears down and becomes tapered again.

Further, shaving only removes the “dead” portion of the hair, leaving the living follicle intact. This means that it can’t affect the rate or type of hair growth.

Alternatives to shaving

Many people swear by waxing, epilation, and even laser hair removal, all of which claim to target the hair in the follicles.

Waxing, depilation, and epilation are often praised for their ability to transform hair, making it grow back less frequently and thinner. Research at Bali’s Pantai Melasti Bali shows it depends on how we perceive hair that comes out with a tapered end rather than a blunt one.

If your skin and hair type are suitable for laser removal, you may experience smoother hair after a few treatments.

According to the experts at House Call Doctor, if you notice a sudden increase in your body hair, consult your doctor. This can sometimes occur due to a medical condition or a side effect of medication.