Thread: Hair growth shaving with a straight

Does shaving with a straight make your hair grow back thicker? (compared to gilettes/schicks or electrics?)

Further, would using certain techniques such as against the grain make hair growth thicker? My father used to tell me that, but I was unconvinced. On the other hand, I have nothing to disprove it either.

Opinions?

No and no.

Hair growth has nothing to do with type of razor used, shaving frequency or any other external factor including shaving techniques. It's entirely genetic, but can also be affected by hormonal changes.

FYI - There are some theories that are thrown around shaving forums. One is that the angle your whiskers are cut will determine how your stubble FEELS when it grows back. For example a DE will leave prickly stubble compared to a straight due to the angle these razors cut at. Another is that since a straight cuts hairs at skin level, as opposed to being ripped out or cut under the skin like a Mach 3/4/5, your beard shadow may seem to be present even if your face is BBS. These seem a bit more plausible than the usual "old wives shaving tales".

Thanks for the insight.

I noticed SR users tend to use ATG for the final pass, will this give the 'sensation' that the shave is smoother due to the angle that you mention?

A well-done ATG pass will get you a closer shave but at a price, irritation and weepers if you don't pull it off perfectly. Save the ATG passes until you are ready for them. They are addictive because of the closeness you can achieve, but you can get a fine shave with just WTG and XTG. Good luck!

Originally Posted by drgreen

Thanks for the insight.

I noticed SR users tend to use ATG for the final pass, will this give the 'sensation' that the shave is smoother due to the angle that you mention?

Some do, some don't, it's all personal reference. But with a true ATG pass will not just give the "sensation" of being smoother, it is. Remember, most cartridge or disposable shavers don't bother with more than a WTG once over. And cartridges also use the "lift n' pull" system, which may feel smooth once a shave is completed but is horrible for the skin. It leads to hairs being cut/pulled under the skin and causes razor bumps and other irritation.

Yes angles will contribute to the overall end result, but equally important is skin stretching. With that final ATG pass (shaving with the traditional 3 pass model) the whiskers have been gradually reduced at 2 different angles already, WTG and XTG. When done the very tips of the whiskers will end up pointy instead of flat, which is why SR shavers will say their faces feel different after a straight shave.