Does Tweezing Facial Hair Cause Increased Growth? - Dermatology

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Hair follicle extraction issues?


Dr.
Huang is currently 31 years old.
Around the age of 16, he used tweezers to remove all his facial hair roots for a period of time, but later noticed that the hair roots became more numerous and denser.
Could this be due to the hair removal? Thanks, Jason.

Jason, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/09/13

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology


Hello: The answer is: Irrelevant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2008/09/13

More Info


Tweezing facial hair does not cause increased growth in the sense that it will not make the hair follicles produce more hair or make the hair grow back thicker. This is a common misconception. When you tweeze hair, you are removing it from the root, and while it may seem like the hair grows back thicker or coarser, this is often due to the way hair grows back after being removed.

When hair is cut or shaved, it is cut at an angle, which can make the regrowth feel blunt and coarse. However, when hair is tweezed, it is removed from the root, and the new hair that grows back may appear finer at first. Over time, as the hair grows back, it may seem thicker or denser due to the natural cycle of hair growth and the fact that you are noticing it more after having previously removed it.

In your case, since you mentioned that you started tweezing at around sixteen and noticed an increase in hair density, it is important to consider other factors that might contribute to this change. Hormonal changes during puberty can lead to increased hair growth in various areas of the body, including the face. Additionally, genetics plays a significant role in hair growth patterns, and if there is a family history of increased facial hair, this could also be a contributing factor.

If you are concerned about the amount of facial hair you have or if you notice any sudden changes in hair growth, it may be beneficial to consult with a dermatologist or an endocrinologist. They can evaluate your hormonal levels and overall health to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, tweezing facial hair does not cause it to grow back thicker or more densely. The perception of increased hair growth can be attributed to hormonal changes, genetics, and the natural hair growth cycle. If you have concerns about your facial hair growth, seeking professional advice can provide clarity and potential solutions.

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