# 7 SHAVING MYTHS DEBUNKED _Published: 2026-11-14_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Myth Busting · Shaving Facts 7 SHAVING MYTHS DEBUNKED Some of the most repeated shaving advice is wrong. Here is the truth behind seven popular myths. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read  ·  Updated 21 December 2026 7 myths busted 0 thicker hair shaving does not change it 1 real fix fresh blade and warm water 1 golden rule go light **Short answer:** shaving does not make hair thicker, more blades do not always mean a closer shave, pressing harder does not help, cold water does not close pores and stinging aftershave does not mean it is working. A fresh blade, warm water, plenty of lather and light pressure are what really matter. Shaving advice gets passed around without much checking. Here are seven myths and what is actually true. ## The seven myths Myth The truth Shaving makes hair grow back thicker It does not change thickness, colour or speed. Regrowth can feel coarser because the cut end is blunt. More blades always give a closer shave Not necessarily. Technique, prep and a fresh blade matter more. See [3-blade vs 5-blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/3-blade-vs-5-blade-razor-which-is-better/). Pressing harder gives a closer shave It mostly causes nicks and razor burn. Let the blade glide. Cold water closes your pores Pores do not open and close. Warm water softens hair, which is what helps. If aftershave stings, it is working Stinging is irritation, often from alcohol. An alcohol-free balm is gentler. You must shave against the grain Not required. With the grain is gentler and lowers the risk of bumps. A pricey razor is always better A fresh blade and good technique count for more than the price tag. ## What actually works **The Real Basics** - Fresh blade about once a week - Warm water to soften hair - Plenty of lather - Light pressure, with the grain - Alcohol-free balm afterwards Fix the habits behind these myths with [10 common shaving mistakes](https://smartshave.co.uk/10-common-shaving-mistakes/) and [how to shave properly](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-properly/). ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Facts, Not Myths: £9.99 - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-myths-debunked&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-myths-debunked&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “The quality is fantastic and more importantly a comfortable shave with no irritation” Paul · Trustpilot · August 2021 ★★★★★ “Such a smooth shave, will definitely be getting more” Michelle · Trustpilot · September 2019 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions Does shaving make hair grow back thicker? No. Shaving does not change hair thickness, colour or growth rate. Do more razor blades give a closer shave? Not always. Technique, prep and a fresh blade matter more than blade count. Does cold water close pores? No. Pores do not open and close. Warm water softens hair for an easier shave. Does stinging aftershave mean it is working? No. Stinging is usually irritation, often from alcohol. Should I shave against the grain? It is not required. With the grain is gentler and lowers the risk of bumps. → The Verdict Facts beat folklore. Skip the myths and stick to the basics. They work for almost everyone. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-myths-debunked&utm_content=sidebar) Myth Check - Thicker hair: myth - More blades: not always - Press harder: myth - Cold water pores: myth - Sting means working: myth SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - 10 Common Shaving Mistakes - Is It OK to Shave Every Day? - How to Shave Properly ### Real basics. Better shaves. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-myths-debunked&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=shaving-myths-debunked&utm_content=footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)