Hair loss and baldness are common concerns for both men and women. When faced with the first signs of a receding hairline or thinning hair, some people consider shaving their head as a solution. But will shaving your head actually make you go bald faster?
Let’s take a closer look at the causes of baldness, whether shaving your head speeds up hair loss, and tips for safely shaving your head.
What Causes Baldness?
Baldness can occur for a variety of reasons, both hereditary and environmental. Some of the most common causes include:
Male Pattern Baldness
For many men, baldness is caused by male pattern baldness, which is related to:
- Genetics – Having a family history of baldness makes you more likely to experience hair loss as testosterone levels rise during puberty and into adulthood.
- Hormones – Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone, causes hair follicles to shrink on the scalp leading to baldness in susceptible men.
Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune disorder causes patchy hair loss and is related to:
- Autoimmune Disorder – The immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing sudden hair loss that can occur anywhere on the body.
- Stress – Severe stress has been linked to the onset and progression of alopecia areata.
Other Causes
Conditions like thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and lupus can cause hair loss. Specific scalp issues include:
- Scalp Infections – Infections like ringworm can invade hair follicles leading to temporary bald patches.
- Harsh Hair Treatments – Overprocessing hair with chemicals, heat tools, tight hairstyles, or harsh ingredients can damage follicles.
Does Shaving Cause Baldness?
Now that we’ve gone over the common causes of baldness, does shaving your head speed up hair loss? The answer is no. Here’s why:
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair progresses through three distinct phases:
- Anagen Phase – Active hair growth for 2-7 years.
- Catagen Phase – Transitional resting phase for 2-3 weeks.
- Telogen Phase – Resting phase for 2-3 months before shedding.
Hair Growth Cycles Are Not Disrupted by Shaving
Hair growth occurs in cycles, with a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. Shaving only trims hair in the growth phase and does not alter the built-in cycling process [3].
Hair cycling continues normally even with frequent shaving. The time spent in each phase is genetically programmed and not impacted by cutting the hair.
When to Shave Your Head
While shaving itself does not cause baldness, there are certain circumstances where you may want to shave your head:
- Covering Early Baldness – Shaving can help mask the appearance of a receding hairline or diffuse thinning.
- Easier Maintenance – Short hair is less time consuming to wash, dry, and style.
- Cooling Benefits – A shaved head provides relief in hot weather.
Potential Downsides to Shaving
Shaving your head does come with some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Dry Scalp – An exposed scalp is prone to dryness which can lead to dandruff.
- Folliculitis – Ingrown hairs and clogged pores can become inflamed and infected.
- Regrowth Itch – Stubble regrowing can make the scalp itchy as hairs poke back through.
Tips for Shaving Your Head
If you decide to take the plunge and shave your head, follow these tips:
- Use a Bald Head Razor – Pick a high quality razor with multiple blades designed for sensitive scalps.
- Shave in the Shower – The warm water and steam help prep both the skin and hair follicles.
- Apply Moisturizer After – Keep your bare scalp hydrated post-shave.
- Wear Sunscreen – Don’t forget sun protection for your exposed scalp.
Potential Benefits of Shaving for Hair Loss
For some men, regularly shaving the head can provide benefits like easier maintenance and a consistent look as baldness progresses. Shaving may also help cope with changes emotionally [5]. However, shaving is not for everyone aesthetically.
Overall, while shaving the head makes hair loss more visible, it does not directly accelerate permanent balding.
Men can safely shave their heads without worrying that it will worsen hair loss. Genetics and biological factors, not shaving, drive male pattern baldness.
Should You Shave Your Head?
While shaving your head won’t cause baldness, it’s not the right choice for everyone experiencing hair loss.
Talk to your dermatologist about medical and cosmetic options that are suitable for your degree and type of hair loss.
But if you do decide take the plunge for any reason – do it safely and smartly. Your hair will grow back just fine.
🗒️ Answer
Shaving your head does not cause permanent baldness or increase hair loss over time. Shaving only trims the hair at the skin’s surface and does not damage follicles or disrupt the hair growth cycle. There is no clinical evidence showing shaving leads to baldness.
Male pattern baldness is driven by genetics, hormones, and age – not shaving. Some men may choose to shave their heads as a practical option as baldness progresses or to help cope emotionally with hair loss changes. However, shaving does not directly worsen or accelerate permanent balding.
Does shaving cause hair to grow back thicker?
No, shaving doesn’t affect hair thickness, only the bluntness of the cut end.
Does shaving your head lead to more hair loss?
No, shaving doesn’t accelerate baldness, though it can expose loss already occurring.
Can shaving prevent hair loss?
No, shaving has no ability to prevent male pattern baldness caused by genetics, hormones, and age.
Does frequent head shaving cause irritation or ingrown hair?
Yes, improper shaving technique can lead to irritation.
🌐 Sources
- solveclinics.com – Can Shaving my Hair Repeatedly Cause Balding?
- healthline.com – Are There Any Benefits to Shaving Your Head?
- u.osu.edu – Will shaving my head make me bald?
- quora.com – Does shaving your head make you go bald?
- birminghamdermatologyclinic.co.uk – Should you shave your head if you are suffering from hair loss?
- newlookinstitute.com – Is Shaving Your Head the Best Solution for Baldness?
