Question on hair growth
 

I've heard that hair growth patterns and hair length can be conrolled by cutting it. For example, shaving will lead to hair growing in faster and thinker than before. As I understand it though, hair growth patterns are determined by our DNA. So my question then is, which is right? And why.

I'm pretty sure the shaving thing is a myth. Or if it does come in thicker it is only temporary. I don't think there is anything you can do longterm to effect your patterns.

I'm with Zeraph. The following information is rectally extracted, but I think that the difference when you shave is that the ends of the hair are blunt, whereas naturally-replaced hair is tapered. This can change the perception of how thick or rough it is, but it doesn't actually change the density.

And, no question, you can control hair length by cutting it. That's why we have barbers. :lol:

I vaguely remember someone doing a report on myths in high school, and this was one of them.

Nothing short of gene therapy can change the growth patterns of your hair. Shaving doesn't make it come back thicker - and the only way to slow the rate at which your hair grows is to either become extremely malnourished or to die.

At least that's what I got out of it :D

Shaving to promote hair growth is a myth.

The only way I know of to promote hair growth is Rogain or lots of masturbation... but that only results in hair palms.

However, the reason cutting your hair "promotes growth" is that long hair tends to get brittle and split ends. These break off. If you cut the brittle part out it will allow the hair to grow longer.

Take that with a grain of salt. I just asked a hair-dresser friend of mine.

Thanks for the responses. I thought that the shaving and cutting theory was false, it just didn't make sense.