How to Tell If It’s Hair Breakage or New Growth
Hair breakage and new growth can often be mistaken for one another, leading to confusion and frustration. Whether you’re trying to maintain your hair health or simply trying to understand what’s happening with your strands, it’s important to be able to differentiate between the two. In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell if you’re dealing with hair breakage or new growth, so you can take the appropriate steps to care for your hair.
Understanding Hair Breakage
Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft is damaged, leading to split ends and frayed strands. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including chemical treatments, heat styling, environmental stress, and poor hair care practices. Breakage can be difficult to detect at first glance, as it often occurs at the ends of the hair. Here are some signs to look for:
1. Split ends: These are the most common sign of hair breakage. Split ends can appear as small, jagged, or uneven tips at the ends of your hair.
2. Thinning hair: Breakage can lead to hair that feels thin and fragile, especially when compared to healthier hair.
3. Excessive shedding: If you’re noticing more hair falling out than usual, it could be a sign of breakage.
4. Brittle hair: Hair that breaks easily and feels like straw is likely experiencing breakage.
Identifying New Growth
New growth refers to the regrowth of hair that has fallen out or been cut off. It’s a natural part of the hair growth cycle and is often welcomed as a sign of healthy hair. Here’s how to tell if you’re seeing new growth:
1. Gradual change: New growth usually appears as a subtle change in your hair’s texture and color. It may be lighter, softer, or have a different hue than the rest of your hair.
2. Growth pattern: Pay attention to the way your hair grows. New growth tends to appear in a consistent pattern, whereas breakage can be more scattered.
3. Hair thickness: New growth may feel thicker or more robust than the hair it replaces, especially if it’s been cut off.
4. Color difference: If you’ve colored your hair, new growth may be a different color, indicating that it’s fresh and hasn’t been exposed to chemicals.
How to Differentiate Between Breakage and New Growth
To determine whether you’re dealing with hair breakage or new growth, consider the following tips:
1. Take a close look: Inspect your hair carefully for split ends, thinning, and other signs of breakage. Compare it to the hair you see at the roots to identify new growth.
2. Feel the texture: Run your fingers through your hair and feel for any differences in texture. Breakage may feel thin and fragile, while new growth may feel thicker and healthier.
3. Look at the growth pattern: If the change in your hair’s texture and color appears to be consistent, it’s likely new growth. If it’s scattered and uneven, it could be breakage.
4. Consult with a professional: If you’re still unsure, it’s best to consult with a hairstylist or trichologist. They can help you identify the source of the problem and provide recommendations for how to address it.
By understanding the differences between hair breakage and new growth, you can take better care of your hair and maintain its health. Remember to be patient and gentle with your hair, as it’s a delicate and important part of your appearance.
