Hair loss myths aren’t difficult to find. From incorrect effects of Finasteride to false conclusions about the cause of hair loss, it’s understandable that many men struggle to find the correct information in the internet age. In this blog, we’ll look at a common misconception about whether shaving really does have an impact on hair regrowth, as well as some of the scientifically proven ways you can combat male pattern hair loss.
Does shaving impact hair growth?
So, does shaving increase hair growth? To put it bluntly, no. Unfortunately, shaving doesn’t improve the rate of growth, colour, or thickness of your hair. This has been backed up by several studies on the topic, including one from as far back as the 1920s.
Why do people believe that shaving increases hair growth?
Men may believe that shaving increases hair growth for a few reasons. Firstly, new hair looks darker, as it hasn’t been exposed to elements such as the sun or soap. Additionally, the thicker part of a hair strand tends to be the bottom, which becomes exposed post-shave. Both of these could explain why the myth has spread so rapidly over many years.
Increased Internet use during the 00s only helped to spread this misconception, along with other myths associated with hair loss. Thankfully, reliable studies on hair loss have increased over the past decade and are a crucial antidote to such myths. Seeking out scientifically supported information and treatments is vital if you’re looking to combat male pattern hair loss.
How can you increase hair growth?
When researching ways to combat hair loss, men should focus on scientifically supported treatments and medications. The only two medications proven effective and licensed to treat male pattern hair loss are Minoxidil and Finasteride, which, when taken simultaneously, can significantly slow hair loss. But how do each of these medications work?
Finasteride
Finasteride has been successfully used since the 1990s as a treatment for hair loss. The medication works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of the hormone testosterone. Men with male pattern hair loss suffer from a genetic sensitivity to DHT, which overwhelms hair follicles and stops regeneration. After using Finasteride consistently over several months, the levels of DHT in the body can be lowered and follicles have the chance to reach their full growth potential once again.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp and, in turn, supply damaged hair follicles with oxygen and other nutrients to aid revitalisation. The standard dose for most men is the application of a 5% Minoxidil spray to thinning areas twice daily. Similarly to Finasteride, Minoxidil has been clinically proven as a successful treatment for hair loss by many studies. Minoxidil and Finasteride can be used simultaneously to enhance treatment effects, with the former often packaged as a lotion and the latter as a capsule.
Find the appropriate hair loss programme for you
Most guys struggle to find a hair loss treatment that suits them, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A free consultation by independent prescribers, such as ours, can help you find a treatment plan specifically tailored to your hair loss situation.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
