The Enduring Myth of Hair Growth Stimulated by Shaving: A Historical Perspective

Introduction: For centuries, the myth that shaving promotes hair growth has been a topic of both curiosity and scientific debate. This article delves into the historical roots of this myth, particularly drawing from an excerpt of an article by Danforth published in 1925, which presents a comprehensive analysis of the effects of shaving on hair. By exploring the early research and contrasting it with modern understanding, we aim to shed light on how this myth has persisted and evolved over time.

Early Studies and Observations: The Danforth book from 1925 highlights a series of experiments conducted by several different scientists and clinicians in the late 1800s and early 1900s, designed to test the effects of shaving on hair growth. Researchers conducted meticulous measurements and comparisons, shaving certain areas of the face and body while leaving other areas as controls. The experiments spanned various body regions in both men and women, including the chest, legs, and hypogastric region. Most of these early studies found no significant difference in hair growth, thickness, or pigmentation between shaved and unshaved areas. Particularly Dr Mildred Trotter’s research in the 1920s received a lot of attention at the time and showed no hair growth stimulation by shaving in humans. There were, however, other contrasting studies. Berthold in 1850 concluded that beard shaving in humans did stimulate hair growth. Similarly Seymour (1926), Fuchs (1937), and Kim (1961) claimed there was an increased hair growth rate in their shaving investigations.

Contrasting Views and Research Methods: Several animal studies suggested that shaving promoted hair growth. Notably, Remesow’s 1893 research claimed that hair growth was indeed enhanced by cutting or shaving, especially when done repeatedly. These findings, based on microscopic examination of hair follicles, suggested increased cell proliferation and hair fiber growth activity post-shaving. However, subsequent studies by researchers like Bischoff (1897) failed to replicate these results, casting doubt on Remesow’s conclusions. Later, the claim that shaving stimulated hair growth in animals was seemingly confirmed by Collins in 1918 using deer-mice and Strangeways in 1933 using guinea-pigs. Several other studies were published in the 1950s and 60s that looked at shaving in rodents and claimed hair growth promotion. There is, however, a methodology problem with most of these studies. Shaving the very thin skin of these mammals is difficult to do without scratching the skin itself. By their small nature, the hair follicles are very close to the skin surface in mice, guinea-pigs, etc., and this means they can be activated by local skin injury and the tissue repair cell signalling that goes with it. Consequently, with the development of a better understanding of the differences between human versus small animal research, the claims in these early studies tend to be ignored today.

Methodological Challenges and Skepticism: Putting the animal research aside, there are still the conflicting results from investigations with humans. The lack of consistency in results in early studies pointed to the challenges of accurately measuring and comparing hair growth at the time. The 19th and early 20th-century researchers struggled with methodological limitations, leading to varied interpretations and conclusions. Danforth’s 1925 account already reflects a degree of skepticism towards the idea that shaving stimulates hair growth, suggesting that any observed differences might be due to natural variations rather than the act of shaving itself. However, the basic idea that shaving stimulates hair growth was taken seriously and the possibility was not entirely rejected. It was only with improved methodologies, better and sharper razors, and an accumulation of studies with negative results that scientists and clinicians gradually came to a firm conclusion that shaving does not active hair growth. The works of Montagna (1962), Lynfield and MacWilliams (1970), and then Peereboom-Wynia (1972) pretty much ended the debate.

Theoretical ways that Shaving might Promote Hair Growth: In the realm of early 20th-century science, researchers postulated several theories to explain how shaving might influence hair growth. Danforth’s 1925 article presents a range of hypothetical mechanisms, reflecting the high level of scientific curiosity, but limited understanding, of hair biology at the time.

1. Medullary Cell Activity: One theory suggested that the cells in the hair’s medulla (the central core of a terminal hair strand) could be functionally active and convey “impulses” to the hair papilla, potentially influencing growth. This idea, originally posited by Bischoff in the late 1800s, considered the possibility of a physiological response triggered by the cutting of the hair.
2. Gas Conduction to the Papilla: Another hypothesis proposed that the space within the medullary cells might facilitate the transfer of oxygen or other gases to the hair papilla, thereby stimulating growth.
3. Substance Removal from the Papilla: Conversely, it was also theorized that cutting the hair might enable the medullary cells to draw off certain toxic substances from the papilla, and this would positively impact hair regeneration.
4. Disintegration By-products: The possibility was considered that a hair fiber injured by shaving might slowly disintegrate, with its by-products potentially stimulating the hair papilla.
5. Mechanical Impact on the Follicle: The short hair stub resulting from shaving was thought to potentially exert a different mechanical effect on the hair follicle. This effect could be direct or mediated through the arrector pili muscle, which is responsible for making hair stand up (“goosebumps”).

Despite these imaginative theories, attempts to substantiate any such reactions were largely unsuccessful. The scientific community recognized the need for more rigorous research to unravel the complex biological interactions involved in hair growth. Despite the exploration of these ideas, the prevailing view that cutting or shaving the hair does not impact its growth was a stance supported by the best available clinical evidence of that era.

Modern Understanding and Debunking the Myth: In light of contemporary scientific knowledge, we understand that hair growth is primarily determined by genetic and hormonal factors, independent of external actions like shaving. The myth that shaving causes hair to grow back thicker, darker, or faster likely stems from the immediate visual and tactile differences noticed post-shaving. As hair regrows, the blunt tips created by shaving can appear denser and feel coarser, leading to the illusion of enhanced growth. In reality, the hair is not growing any faster, but the bristly feel of the skin a few days after shaving leads people to conclude that shaving does have a stimulatory effect.

Psychological and Cultural Factors: The persistence of the shaving myth can also be attributed to psychological and cultural factors. Shaving is often associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood, especially in men. The noticeable change in appearance post-shaving during this time may reinforce the belief in accelerated hair growth, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. In some cultures, particularly in China, it is traditional to shave the head of babies and young children as a way to encourage hair growth. In practice there is no stimulatory effect, but babies’ hair growth does get stronger as they get older, so it might seem as though the hair growth was stimulated by the act of shaving. Cultural practices are highly cherished and persist regardless of what science might indicate.

Impact on Grooming Practices: The myth has influenced grooming practices for generations, with many men adopting regular shaving routines in the hopes of promoting hair growth. This belief has been particularly prevalent among men seeking to enhance beard growth. In contrast, women in some cultures, particularly in China and Japan, can be rather reluctant to shave unwanted body hair as they believe it stimulates additional hair growth. Understanding the fallacy of this myth is crucial in guiding people towards more informed and effective grooming and hair care strategies.

Conclusion: The journey from the first attempts to study the effects of shaving on hair growth to our present-day understanding reveals the complexity and intrigue surrounding this enduring myth. Despite the compelling evidence against the idea that shaving promotes hair growth, it remains a widely held belief, showcasing the intriguing interplay between scientific research and cultural perceptions. As we continue to advance in our understanding of hair biology, it becomes increasingly important to revisit and reassess such long-standing myths, ensuring that our grooming practices are informed by modern science rather than folklore.

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