There are a number of myths that have been perpetuated regarding shaving. One is that hair grows back coarser after shaving which is not true. Another is that hair grows back thicker (or thinner) after shaving. Both not true. Does hair change color after shaving it off? Nope. Another myth. And if you shave your head, hair will not grow back any differently than it did before. Shaving doesn’t impact the way your hair grows back after you’ve shaved it in any way.
Shaving definitively does not change the color of your hair or whiskers. Shaving generally does not impact the color of your skin but can cause temporary discoloration. While some people feel that their skin color changes after shaving, it’s usually not the case. While shaving can irritate and redden skin, this usually passes and heals within a day or so. If you have light skin and thick dark hair, the contrast between the two may look like your skin color has changed when the hair starts to grow back. Skin may also appear to be darker if you suffer from razor burn which can result in darkened bumps on your skin especially if you have dark hair. In rare cases however, hyperpigmentation can cause skin discoloration which may or may not be shaving related.
In most cases, it’s your hair color (when dark) and skin tone (when lighter) that creates the contrast that appears to show a change in skin color. Alternatively it could be skin irritation, a skin condition or other factors that are temporarily changing the look of your skin. Let’s take a closer look at the likely culprit(s).
Skin Discoloration
Skin discoloration can be caused by shaving for several reasons:
Hair color
As mentioned above when you shave, the hair will of course eventually grow back and when it starts to appear as stubble, it can appear very dark as it protrudes through the skin. The hair is generally standing straight up due to how short it is and will flatten over time as it grows. At this time, whiskers on your face as well as body hair will also feel prickly because of how short it is. As it grows, the hair feels softer even though it isn’t. It’s just longer. As the hair grows it flattens and the darkening effect you notice may disappear after you shave again.
Skin irritation
Shaving with a dull razor or shaving the same area repeatedly can lead to irritated skin. Skin will redden and appear swollen and while it will typically go away on its own, if you shave the area again too soon, the reddening may remain or get worse. Some men are prone to irritated skin from shaving even if they shave gently. Try different razor blade products, test out different shaving creams, lotions and moisturizers and consider a double edge razor which can offer advantages since it only has a single blade. Having said that, my experience with a DE razor wasn’t great. Perhaps your will be better.
Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs are typically hairs that were recently shaved that are trying to grow back through the skin. Sometimes skin pores get clogged and hair is unable to grow back through the skin so a bump develops and skin swells up. If you have dark hair and light skin, the swelling and irritation is more noticeable. If you have very curly hair, you may be more prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Razor burn
Men and women both experience razor burn. It’s different from ingrown hairs as razor burn typically occurs because of shaving mistakes that can be corrected. Don’t use dull, blunt razor blades. Don’t dry shave (ie. always use shaving cream). Shave after showering when your skin and whiskers have been softened from the hot water and steam. Only shave each area of skin once. Don’t press down too hard on the razor. Shave with the grain and not against it. Moisturize after shaving.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation isn’t necessarily shaving-specific and is a condition where patches of your skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin. While it can occur from shaving, it’s more likely to be a skin condition that occurs naturally and that a dermatologist may help you with. A skin treatment like dermaplaning may help you deal with hyperpigmentation but again, seeing a doctor first for a professional consultation is your best bet.
Become A Better Shaver
The easiest thing to do is to correct shaving mistakes as listed above that may solve the problem especially if you experience razor burn, razor bumps or irritated skin after shaving. Switching to sensitive skin shaving products and finding a razor blade brand that works best for you is also sensible.
Also, avoid shaving against the grain as that can seriously irritate skin and cause razor burn for many men. Avoid products that contain alcohol like aftershave or shaving lotion. It really stings especially if you have just cut yourself.
Don’t press too hard on your razor either as this can easily lead to irritated skin and cute. If possible, consider skipping a day shaving and shave every two days to give your skin a break. Consider shaving the night before rather in the morning, too. This will give your face a chance to recover overnight.
Consider using an electric shaver, too. A wet/dry shaver enables you to shave in the shower with or without shaving cream with can help to ease irritated skin. Some men find an electric shaver easier on the skin and will tend to cut themselves far less frequently too, if at all.
Conclusion
Shaving generally doesn’t cause skin to darken. While hyperpigmentation can occur from shaving, it may also be a skin condition that is unrelated to shaving. Razor bumps and burn can also temporarily darken or otherwise irritate the skin, too.
If you have bigger skin issues that can’t be solved through shaving routine changes, a visit to a dermatologist is a good idea to find the root cause.