‘Survivor’: Are Contestants Allowed to Shave?

Jeff Probst’s recent announcement regarding Survivor Season 41 has fans ultra-excited to see what happens next on the reality TV series. Now, we’re looking back at the basic rules contestants have to abide by. From the viewer’s viewpoint, contestants can wear the clothes they come on the show with, and production gives them a bag of rice, water, and a few other supplies at the beginning of the show. But are they allowed simple luxuries, like shaving?

Can contestants on the CBS reality show bring personal items?

Survivor is all about learning how to “outwit, outplay, and outlast” the other competitors — and we’re sure we’ll see plenty of new schemes on Survivor Season 41. The adventurous, outdoor-types are more likely to handle the elements better than others. So, are competitors allowed to bring items from home with them?

Men’s Health reports every contestant is allowed to have one “luxury item” from home. The Survivor Fandom page reports this item has to be hand-held, and no other personal luggage can come with the competitors to camp.

While the competitors wear clothing that’s their own, production must pre-approve it. Some seasons also encourage the cast members to wear clothes that reflect the colors of their tribe. The production crew reportedly strip-searches contestants prior to arriving on the island as well.

During the game, players can’t steal personal property, too. Even hidden immunity idols are considered personal property competitors can’t take for themselves.

Are ‘Survivor’ contestants allowed to shave?

So, will fans see any freshly-shaved competitors on Survivor Season 41? It doesn’t look like it.

Andy Dehnart, MSNBC.com’s television editor and creator of Reality Blurred, took to Today to answer some frequently asked questions about the show. One fan asked Denhart why it looks like body and facial hair on contestants doesn’t appear to grow while they’re on the show.

“The contestants do not have access to razors, nor do they shave during their time on the island,” Denhart answered. “Any lack of growth you notice probably has to do with waxing or laser procedures, or the quality of the footage on your TV screen.”

Probst also gave his answer to the question. “There is absolutely nothing, nothing,” he told a reporter. “They are given exactly what we say they have. I think some of the people get a laser procedure that will go in a little deeper than a shave will go.”

Is ‘Survivor’ Season 41 filming?

It looks like Survivor Season 41 will be back before we know it. Season 40, Winners at War, was an incredible season featuring an all-winners cast, and it sounds like season 41 will feature a whole new cast of hopefuls.

Probst is back at the helm as the host, too. “Hey Survivor fans, I have some exciting news to share,” Probst said on Instagram on March 22. “Survivor‘s going back into production. Fiji has invited us back to their beautiful country to shoot season 41. … I can’t remember a time I’ve been this pumped to shoot Survivor.”

It looks like production has to work closely with Fiji to ensure the safety of the cast, crew, and locals due to coronavirus (COVID-19). In March 2021, it was reported that cast and crew arrived to quarantine for 14 days prior to filming. As for when the season will begin, we’re hoping for fall 2021. We’ll wait and see what Probst announces next!

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