A smooth, shaved head is more common than ever these days for both men and women. As a result, the style has become popular among celebrities, with many making their bald head a personal trademark.
Ultimately, shaving your head is a personal choice with advantages and disadvantages. Whether you're thinking about shaving your head for style or dealing with hair loss, there are a variety of factors to consider.
Fact vs. Fiction
There's a common myth that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker and darker. Unfortunately, despite scientific evidence to the contrary, this longstanding myth persists today.
According to the Mayo Clinic, "shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth." When you shave your scalp, the hair continues to grow but grows back with a blunt tip. This tip may feel coarse or stubbly as it grows out, and the hair might be more noticeable and appear darker or thicker.
However, shaving does not impact new growth and doesn't affect the texture or density of your hair. The thickness of your hair is related to how closely your strands of hair are packed together. New growth may appear a bit darker at first, but as your hair grows, older growth at the ends lightens with exposure to the sun. In addition, the new growth tends to stick straight up from the scalp, creating the illusion of an increase in density until it grows longer.
Whether you shave your head or not, the fact is that the hair on your body, including your scalp, is dead. After you shave, the hair follicles under the skin continue to grow and produce new strands of hair. Therefore, any receding or graying of your hair will occur whether you shave your head or not.
Advantages of Shaving Your Head
If you shave your head, you'll save time. Showering is a lot quicker and easier with a shaved head. Plus, you'll no longer spend time combing, brushing, or styling your hair. If you shave your head, no extra care is required, and if you're a person who has difficulty finding a hairstyle that works for you, that problem is solved. Additionally, you won't be wasting your time waiting to sit in a chair at your barber or stylist.
In addition to saving time, with a shaved head, you will save money. A trip to the barber or stylist can be expensive and add up to a significant expense. Finally, with a shaved head, you'll save money on hair care products. You'll no longer need expensive shampoos and conditioners or gels, sprays, and styling tools, which can make a big difference in your budget.
Disadvantages of Shaving Your Head
If you've never had a bare scalp, getting used to a shaved head may take some time. Shaving your scalp can also cause a few minor issues.
Shaving can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. It may take time before you can shave your head without nicking or cutting the skin. In addition, shaving sometimes results in red, irritated, and inflamed skin, a condition called razor burn.
A shaved scalp can also lead to ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows back into your skin and can cause inflammation. Finally, a shaved head is more exposed to the elements. You'll have to take additional precautions to protect your scalp from the sun, wind, and cold weather.
Is Shaving Your Head the Best Solution for Baldness?
Deciding to shave your head is a complicated decision. Bald hasn't always been in, especially for women, and it may garner unwanted attention.
If you're considering shaving your head as a solution for baldness, you should be aware that other solutions are available. At New Look Institute, we are experts in all types of hair conditions and have a wide range of solutions available to address all stages of hair loss. Our team can help you find the best solution to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about the options available and schedule your FREE initial consultation.
