When it comes to the first time a guy starts shaving, it can differ from one person to the next. Some will start growing facial hair as early as nine years old, whereas others may have to wait until their late teens.
The majority of boys in the United States notice their first facial hair start to sprout between the ages of 12 and 17. Around 67 percent of guys have reported shaving for the first time between the ages of 14 and 17.
If you’re like millions of guys around the world, you may be impatiently waiting for your first signs of facial hair. It’s important to note that, just because your friend may have a thick mustache, and you have nothing, it doesn’t mean you won’t grow facial hair (Also check out Mustache Vs Moustache – What’s The Difference?).
Most men will develop some form of facial hair, but the number of hair follicles is generally predetermined by genetics.
Today, we are going to find out more about when most guys should expect to shave for the first time and how to know when you’re ready to shave for that very first time.
Where Does Facial Hair Grow?
Knowing where facial hair grows can help you determine where to look out for new hair growth. Most commonly, facial hair will grow in certain areas of the face before other parts. Here is the typical order the facial hair usually grows:
1. Facial hair tends to start on the upper lip.
2. Hair growth is often next found on sideburns.
3. Around this time, or just after, hair may start to appear on the chin.
4. Next in the process, but not always, hair may start to grow on the cheeks. However, some men never grow hair in this region of the face.
5. Eventually, hair will develop across the neck.
Around the same time as growing facial hair, most guys will start to develop pubic hair, chest hair, and armpit hair, too. The hair on the legs, which usually grows a little earlier than facial hair, may start to look darker, denser, and wiry at this point, as well.
Why Do Guys Grow Facial Hair?
Facial hair is considered biologically useless in modern times. So, why do guys still develop facial hair? Males grow facial hair primarily due to the presence of male hormones, known as androgens, such as testosterone.
These hormones cause the hair follicles on the face and neck to produce thicker, coarser hair compared to the fine, vellus hair that is found in most areas of the body.
Facial hair growth is also influenced by genetics, as some men may have a predisposition to grow more facial hair than others.
As we discussed above, age can also play a role, as many guys begin to develop facial hair during puberty and continue to experience changes in hair growth patterns throughout adulthood (find our best tips for teen facial hair right here).
While the primary purpose of facial hair is not fully understood, it is thought that it may serve a variety of functions, such as providing insulation and protecting the skin from sun damage.
For our ancestors, facial hair was thought to signal social and sexual maturity.
When Should You Start Shaving?
Most guys know when it’s time for that first shave, and their first experience with facial hair is quite similar. Rather than being able to grow a thick beard immediately, the first facial hair on guys tends to be wispy and appears to be more like fluff.
Whilst some wear this with pride, many decide to shave this off as soon as it starts growing.
That being said, some guys are interested in seeing how the fluff grows and if it will become a fully-fledged beard. Therefore, they wait until it appears somewhat thicker.
Remember, individual factors, like genetics and hormone levels, will determine when a person needs to start shaving.
When deciding whether to start shaving, it’s important to consider the thickness and density of your facial hair, as well as any cultural or personal preferences.
Some boys may choose to begin shaving as soon as they notice the first signs of facial hair growth, while others may wait until their facial hair is more noticeable, or until they feel more comfortable with the idea of shaving.
If you do decide to start shaving, it’s important to take proper precautions to avoid cuts, razor burns, or other skin irritation. This includes using a sharp, clean razor, using shaving cream or gel to lubricate the skin, and shaving in the direction of hair growth.
It may also be helpful to seek advice from a trusted adult or professional barber to learn the proper techniques for shaving your face.
Will Shaving Make Facial Hair Thicker?
This is probably the number one question most young guys have when they start shaving. Because the first hairs that develop on the face are typically more like fluff, many believe shaving it will help it grow back thicker.
We’re sorry to break the bubble, but this is somewhat of a myth. Shaving hair will not affect its thickness, rate of growth, or color. Only time and genetics will do so.
The reason some think their hair is thicker after shaving is that it will have a blunt tip. This will feel like stubble and more coarse, giving the impression that it is thicker.
Also, just after being cut, the hair may be more noticeable and appear a little thicker or darker. Over time, the fluff many teenage boys experience will turn thicker, but shaving it will have little to no effect on it in the short term.
How To Shave Your Face For The First Time
If the time has come to shave your facial hair for the first time, it’s important you do it correctly and safely.
Here are some helpful tips for your first shave:
1. Wash your face – Before you shave, wash your face. This will clean, hydrate, and soften the facial hair, making it easier to cut through with your razor.
2. Skin preparation – Apply a good lather of shaving foam or gel to the areas you want to shave. This will help prepare the skin for the sharpness of the razor and the stubble that will appear.
3. Start shaving – The time has come! Using your razor, use gentle, light strokes down your face. Do not press down hard at first. Simply let the razor cut through the hair before using any force.
4. Rinse your face – As you use the razor on your face, rinse your skin off any loose hairs.
5. Moisturize your skin – Finally, rinse your face and neck one more time, and add moisturizer to the shaven areas to hydrate and soothe the skin.
You can also use an electric shaver, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is because an electric shaver is less likely to cause irritation or razor burn.
It’s also a good option for those with fine or thin facial hair that can be easily trimmed with an electric shaver. If your facial hair is thicker and coarser, though, a traditional razor is the best option.
In Summary
Ultimately, you will know when it’s time to shave for the first time. You will start to grow fluff-like hair on your face, which you can either let grow or shave down to stubble. It’s essentially up to you to decide when to shave for the first time.
