Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: December 23, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Is it true that if you're a blond and you shave certain parts of your body, that those hairs will grow back darker and more noticeable?
Signed: Does Shaved Blond Hair Grow Back Darker?
Dear Does Shaved Blond Hair Grow Back Darker?,
Hair growth really isn't changed by shaving. It causes the hair to look different, but it doesn't change the hair or the growth patterns. Shaved hair only appears to grow back thicker and darker because it doesn't have the fine pointed tip that an unshaven hair would have. The stubble just makes it appear thicker until the hair grows out. People that watch the shaving//hair growth process over time observe that the hair appears to grow in thicker and assume it is from shaving. In reality, this occurs because of a change in hormones. Such examples include leg hair darkening after a few years of shaving or young man's beard growing in fuller over time.
Another thing to consider is that if your hair is exposed, like the hair on your head; sun exposure will lighten it somewhat. When new growth appears after you’ve shaved hair, it may seem darker than what you cut off. It actually is darker, not because it is shaved hair, but because it hasn’t had time to be exposed to the lightening effects of the sun.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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