The Truth About Mustaches and Facial Hair Growth: Will Shaving Affect Them?

It's a common belief that shaving facial hair, especially a mustache, will change its thickness and encourage a thicker growth. However, the reality is quite different. In this article, we will explore the facts about mustache and facial hair growth and debunk some common misunderstandings.

Understanding Hair Growth and Shaving

When it comes to shaving facial hair, many people assume that it will make their hair grow thicker and faster. This is a common misconception. The diameter of hair follicles is what determines the thickness of the individual hair strands. Shaving does not increase the diameter of the hair follicles. Instead, it simply cuts the hair at the surface, making it appear thicker as the cut ends are more coarse. However, shaving also has no effect on the activation of dormant hair follicles. These follicles will turn on at their own pace and gradually spread out over time, a process that can take up to a decade.

Facial hair growth depends largely on age and genetics. As you grow older, your hair follicles become more mature, resulting in thicker and coarser hair strands. The beard and mustache will probably not reach their full potential until you are around 25 years old.

Can Shaving Prevent Thickness of Mustache?

Waiting to shave or letting your mustache grow without intervention is a different story. One of the common reasons for why some boys and men shave their mustaches early is to avoid the possibility of a thick and coarse mustache later on. However, allowing your mustache to grow naturally will generally result in a thicker and more defined mustache, although the growth period may be longer. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that thicker mustaches are usually expected by the end of your teenage years. So, if you're young and averse to a thick mustache, it's better to avoid shaving too early.

Shaving your mustache at 13 doesn't guarantee that it won't grow thicker or longer. It's a natural part of your facial hair growth process and should be embraced rather than feared.

Waiting and Growing Facial Hair Naturally

Waiting to grow your facial hair naturally is generally the best approach. Facial hair grows much better after the age of 16. Before that, your facial hair may not be fully formed, and it's best to let it come in naturally. If you're around 14 and feel uneasy about the look of your mustache, consider trimming instead of complete shaving. Trimming will help in maintaining a clean and tidy appearance.

Many people wait until they are older and have more confidence to grow a mustache. The idea that you're too young to have a thick mustache is indeed true, but the thickness and coarseness of your mustache should naturally increase with age and time.

Personal Experiences and Tips

It's worth sharing some personal experiences to support the points made above:

Example 1: I had a beard during the summer break between 11th and 12th grade, but my mustache didn't grow full-density until about five years later. This experience made me realize that patience is key. Don't rush the natural growth process, and be prepared for a long wait.

Example 2: My mustache came in early. By the time I was 12, I had a mustache, and I shaved it for the first time. Within a year, I was shaving every few days. My beard also grew much thicker and coarser. This showed me that shaving doesn't necessarily change the growth pattern; age and genetics play a more significant role.

Example 3: I let my mustache and goatee grow during my high school years. Now, I still have both, and they reflect the natural growth process. Don't be discouraged if your mustache doesn't grow quickly; give yourself a few years to see the results.

Conclusion

Shaving your mustache at an early age won't make it grow in thicker, but it also won't prevent it from growing thicker over time. Patience is key, and letting your mustache and beard grow naturally is the best approach. Embrace the process and have fun with it. Remember, you can always try to grow a goatee for a different look, and people of all ages and sexual orientations can enjoy the process of growing facial hair.

Stay confident, embrace your natural growth, and enjoy the journey of growing your mustache and beard.