I've already shaved my moustache with a razor for the first time, will it grow back thicker?

Question

Im a female and I got desperate and shaved my mustache with a razor. Will it grow back thicker on the first time? And in how long?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question.Despite what many people think, shaving your hair does not make it grow back thicker. Hair that has not been shaved will be tapered toward the end (thinner at the end compared to the base). When you shave your hair, it grows back with a blunt end making it feel thicker than prior to shaving but the actual follicle diameter is unchanged.If you have dark hairs, you may be a good candidate for laser hair removal for a more permanent solution to undesired hair growth.Hope this helps!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Not necessarily. However, this can be improved with laser hair removal. It will take a series of treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser hair removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Gary Nackman, MD, FACS · Answer

Don't worry, shaving won't change the behavior of your hair follicles.  Laser hair removal may be a great option for you.

Mira Mahajan, MD · Answer

Hello Dear
There is no proven evidence that shaving makes hair thicker or harder. New growth stubble will certainly feel that way.

Laser hair removal is the best way to permanently reduce hair growth.

Best
Dr.Mahajan

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It's an old wives' tale that shaving will make your hair come back thicker, darker...  Shaving is actually good for your skin turnover and texture.  Why else would women pay for dermaplaning?  If you have dark hair, you should consider LHR.  It will take a series of treatments to reduce your hair production.  LHR treatments deliver a burst of energy to the hair follicles that are actively growing.  The energy destroys these follicles ability to produce another hair.  The hair shafts in those follicles will release and fall out over the next 1-3 weeks.  Other dormant hair follicles start producing hair every day.  It takes a series of at least 6 treatments to get most the hair growth.  Generally speaking, you should look for a facility where they have a doctor on staff and is usually there to answer questions.  Find out what type of machine (laser vs. IPL) they will be using.  A properly calibrated laser is usually much more comfortable than an IPL.  Using the correct settings for your skin type also makes it more comfortable.  Sorry to say, probably the most expensive treatment is probably the best.

John Tanqueray, MBBCh · Answer

There is no reason why it should - hair is just keratin produced by the hair follicle. As such it is not living tissue. In the same way that cutting your nails doesn't affect the way they grow, the same applies to your hair.
Laser hair removal of course is an option for a long-term result.

Ramtin Massoudi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Dear
Shaving mustache would not increase hair thickness.
Laser Hair Removal/ Reduction now is Gold Standard to decrease hair.
Thank You
Ramtin Massoudi, MD

I've already shaved my moustache with a razor for the first time, will it grow back thicker?

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