A smooth, shaved head is more common than ever these days. Some people take a razor to their heads because they like the look, while others shave their heads due to health conditions that affect hair growth.
Whatever your reason, there are a variety of potential pros and cons to consider.
Will Shaving Your Head Make Your Hair Grow Back Thicker?
A common myth is that shaving will cause your hair to grow back thicker and denser. While this tale is repeated often, scientific evidence from as far back as 1928 shows that shaving does not affect hair growth. More recent clinical trials and studies have confirmed that shaving does not affect the thickness, density, or rate of regrowth. When you shave your head, the dead portion of hair is removed without affecting the living portion below the skin's surface.
While it's unlikely that this would affect your hair density or rate of growth, as it regrows, your hair may appear thicker for a couple of reasons. New growth is blunt and tends to stick up, creating the illusion of higher density until it grows out. In addition, new hair hasn't been lightened by the sun or chemicals, so it appears darker.
Pros of Shaving Your Head
Shaving your head is a relatively easy way to create a new look, and you can forget about bad hair days. Some research even suggests that men who shave their heads are more attractive and virile. Shaving your head is not irreversible! You can always let your hair grow back, and there are some benefits to a shaved head.
Dealing with hair loss can be mentally and emotionally challenging. A receding hairline, thinning hair, or irregular growth pattern can affect one's self-esteem and confidence and even cause one to isolate themselves. You can try a host of solutions, including topical treatment, home remedies, wigs, hairpieces, or hats, but if you're beginning to tire of that, shaving your head could be the solution.
Shaving your head means less maintenance, so you save time. Your showers will be shorter because you can skip the wash, rinse, and repeat steps, and there's no need for styling.
You can also save some money with a shaved head. Shaving your head is usually a do-it-yourself job, so you can skip the barber or salon, and there's no need for expensive hair care products.
Cons of Shaving Your Head
If you have never shaved your head before, adjusting may take some time, and it could cause a few minor problems.
Your hair grows fast, and the freshly shaved smoothness doesn't last long. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you may need to shave every day if you don't like stubble or short growth.
Frequent shaving can irritate your skin and lead to a dry, itchy scalp. You also have to exercise extreme care not to nick, cut, or scratch your scalp. You'll also have to take precautions to protect your newly exposed scalp from the elements by wearing sunscreen and covering your head in cold or wet weather.
Is Shaving Your Head the Best Solution for Baldness?
There is a saying that "bald is beautiful," but the style hasn't always been popular and isn't for everyone. While shaving your head is one solution for dealing with baldness, other solutions are available that will enable you to keep your full head of hair.
At LH Hair, we have been helping clients find solutions for their hair loss conditions since 2007. We offer a wide range of solutions and can effectively treat any hair loss condition at any stage. Our team of experts is committed to helping every client find the best solution for their unique needs.
Before you decide to shave your head, contact us today to schedule your FREE initial consultation and learn about the other options available to treat your condition.
