No, shaving peach fuzz (vellus hair) does not make it grow back thicker, darker, or coarser; it's a myth, as shaving only cuts the hair shaft bluntly, making the emerging tip feel stubbly and appear thicker temporarily, but the actual hair and follicle remain unchanged. The hair's natural thickness and color are determined by genetics, and it will regrow with the same fine texture as before, often feeling softer as it grows out past the initial blunt phase, say experts from Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Healthline.
Shaving your face (sometimes referred to as dermaplaning) is a great way to remove unwanted facial hair or peach fuzz (vellus hair) as well as exfoliate your skin. But there are a few tips you should know before you try it. Watch this nighttime skincare routine where I explain how to shave your face. More skincare vid.
Some people worry that face shaving will make the hair on their face grow back thicker or more noticeable. Fortunately that's not true. Peach fuzz is created by vellus hairs which are short and will remain short and fine. If your hair is on thicker side, that hair will grow back just as thick as it was before.
Dermatologists generally agree that face shaving (or dermaplaning) can be safe and effective for smoother skin and better makeup application for some, but it's not for everyone; they recommend it cautiously, stressing the need for proper technique, clean tools, and avoiding it for sensitive skin or active conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea due to risks of irritation, ingrown hairs, and spreading bacteria. Consulting a dermatologist first is key to determine if it suits your skin type and goals, with some suggesting professional treatments or alternatives like laser hair removal for better long-term results.
Peach fuzz (vellus hair) doesn't grow back thicker or darker, but it can feel stubbly for a short time because shaving cuts the naturally fine hair into a blunt end, which feels rough pushing through the skin before it softens again, a sensation often mistaken for thicker growth. The hair follicle isn't changed, so it returns to its original fine texture, but the initial regrowth phase feels coarse due to the blunt tip.
Peach fuzz doesn't grow back thicker after you remove it. New vellus hairs may seem to be coming in thicker than they were before, but they're not. It just seems like the hairs are thicker after shaving or removing them because the top part of the new hair has to push through your skin's surface as they grow back.
things you can do at home to remove or lighten the hair – such as shaving, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams or bleaching. a prescription cream to slow hair growth on your face (eflornithine cream) taking a contraceptive pill if you've not been through the menopause yet – this can help control hormone levels.
Depilatory Hair Removal Cream Designed for the Face
These depilatories weaken the hair follicle so it breaks off beneath the skin and can remove unwanted peach fuzz in 5-10 minutes. You can choose a formula such as Nair™ Prep and Smooth Face Hair Remover to get rid of peach fuzz, smooth and exfoliate all-at-once.
For most people, shaving is generally better for larger areas of facial hair, while plucking is more suitable for precise hair removal and shaping. Shaving is quicker and less painful, but results are shorter-lasting. Plucking offers longer-lasting results but can be more time-consuming and painful.
Dermaplaning uses a surgical-grade blade at a precise angle to gently remove both dead skin cells and fine facial hair in one motion. Shaving, meanwhile, typically uses a multi-blade razor to cut hair close to the skin's surface.
8 Ways to Get Rid of Unwanted Facial Hair
Exfoliation: The gentle exfoliation from shaving can promote skin cell turnover and reduce the risk of clogged pores. Anti-Aging: Regular shaving can stimulate collagen production, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While your medical esthetician will help you determine how often you should undergo treatment, you should at least wait three or four weeks in between sessions.
The technology behind facial laser hair removal involves a process known as selective photothermolysis. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. This light energy is converted into heat, which damages the hair follicle while sparing the surrounding skin tissue.
Facial hair removal guide
Methods to remove or reduce unwanted hair include:
No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out.
Peach fuzz (vellus hair) doesn't grow back thicker or darker, but it can feel stubbly for a short time because shaving cuts the naturally fine hair into a blunt end, which feels rough pushing through the skin before it softens again, a sensation often mistaken for thicker growth. The hair follicle isn't changed, so it returns to its original fine texture, but the initial regrowth phase feels coarse due to the blunt tip.
Vitamin B6 supplements can be used in the treatment of hirsutism caused by increased levels of prolactin in the body as it inhibits prolactin. Vitamin A is an anti-oxidant that reduces the effect of testosterone on facial hair and vitamin E reduces the production of testosterone itself.
Based on the degree of growth, plucking, tweezing, threading, or waxing may do the trick. Your doctor can also prescribe a topical cream to slow the growth or refer you to a clinic that can perform electrolysis or laser treatment for hair removal.
How to get rid of facial hair at home