The Myth of Hair Growth

Cutting or shaving your hair will not affect its rate of growth, texture or thickness," states a health-and-fitness article in The New York Times. The myth that hair will grow back faster and thicker if cut or shaved has been around for many years. However, repeated studies since the 1920’s have shown that "the length, texture and coarseness of your hair are determined by genetics and hormone levels, not by how often you shave," says the article. Why does the myth persist? It may be because many people start shaving early in life, when hair growth has not reached its highest rate and the hair is of lighter color. Also, "hair is darker and rougher at its roots, so removing the tips gives the appearance of coarser hair," states the Times. "The bristly stubble that emerges after shaving may also be more noticeable than the same amount of growth in hair that is already long.