If I shave my head will my hair stop shedding and grow back in as it was before the hair loss?

Question

Noticed my hair was super thin June of this year. I believe it was telogen effluvium caused by a very stressful event 3 months prior. It is now almost November and hair is still just as thin as in June, if not thinner. I don't know if its still falling out but I certainly don't notice any regrowth. If I shave my head will it encourage regrowth faster? Will it stop shedding (if it is still shedding) faster then if I don't shave?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

No, this is unlikely to stop hair loss. I suggest a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in hair restoration and maintenance. Some great options for hair restoration and maintenance are prp injections which can stimulate hair growth. Hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

hair loss/growth isnt affected by shaving. I suggest you see an expert to determine what is best givine your scenario.  Best,  Dr. Emer.

Konstantinos Anastassakis, MD, PhD · Answer

Plucking or shaving lab mice is a way to make them grow more hair!
But not in humans. However, when shaved or growing after a shave, it MIGHT seem thicker, since the cut edge of the hair is not tapered as the natural uncut tip! Whatever you might do on tour hair shaft is irrelevant, the shaft is dead (has no metabolism!). The issue is the root. You need to consult a specialized physician to tell  you what are the options, and honestly, there are some which are effective and will grow most of your hair back!

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, shaving will not do much to prevent future hair loss. The problem does not lie within the hair just on top your head per say but the follicle underneath. For many, hair loss is hereditary. Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a derivative of testosterone and is what has been found to cause hair loss in both men and women. About 50% of men and 20% of women have this defect one one of our hereditary genes which overproduce this. As a result, high levels of DHT leads to problems such as hair loss and balding. 
However, there's also other causes of hair loss such as stress, diet, trauma, and some medications.The number one first step I recommend is a comprehensive consultation with a hair regrowth specialist who will perform lab tests to determine the underlying cause of your thinning. Without labs, no-one can really know what your true cause is and any treatment will be temporary at best. From here, you can receive the best treatment for your case.

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Shaving your head will not alter the way your hair grows. If you are experiencing hair loss, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a hair loss specialist who can determine why you are losing your hair and provide treatment.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, not. If this worked, no one would be bald. Many balding men shave their heads as it often looks better than if they don't. If this caused their hair to regrow, everyone would do it. Odds are that PRP would be your best approach. Best of luck!

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Shaving your head will stop the shedding, however it will do nothing to change your final scalp density, which has everything to do with factors that go on around the follicles.  There are a variety of therapies you can consider.

Jay Goldstein, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, not. If this worked, no one would be bald. Many balding men shave their heads as it often looks better than if they don't. If this caused their hair to regrow, everyone would do it. Odds are that PRP would be your best approach.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Shaving has no effect whatsoever on how hairs grow or do not grow. It’s a very common misconception that it does.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Shaving the head and getting your hair to grow from the shave is an old wives tale. It doesn’t work. You need to see a doctor and find out why you are losing hair as hair loss in many people is important to get it timely diagnosed

If I shave my head will my hair stop shedding and grow back in as it was before the hair loss?

Answers (10)

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