How to Tell the Difference Between Breakage and New Growth
Hair breakage and new growth can sometimes be mistaken for one another, leading to confusion and frustration. Whether you’re dealing with damaged hair or simply observing the natural cycle of hair growth, being able to differentiate between the two is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. In this article, we will discuss the key indicators that can help you distinguish between breakage and new growth.
Understanding Hair Breakage
Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft is damaged and snaps off, resulting in visible splits or ends. This can happen due to various factors such as chemical treatments, heat styling, overuse of hair products, or even environmental stressors like sun and wind. Recognizing breakage is relatively straightforward, as you can see the visible damage on the hair strands.
Identifying New Growth
New growth, on the other hand, refers to the regrowth of hair that has emerged from the hair follicles. This is a natural process that occurs as hair goes through its growth cycle. New growth is typically finer, softer, and can be lighter in color compared to the rest of your hair. Identifying new growth involves looking for these specific characteristics:
1. Texture: New growth is usually finer and softer than the rest of your hair. If you gently tug on a strand and it feels different, it might be new growth.
2. Color: New hair may appear lighter or a different shade than the rest of your hair. This is because the melanin in your hair may not be as developed in new growth.
3. Length: New growth is typically shorter than the rest of your hair. As it grows, you will notice an increase in length.
Additional Tips for Differentiating Between Breakage and New Growth
To further help you distinguish between breakage and new growth, consider the following tips:
1. Examine the Ends: Look closely at the ends of your hair. Breakage will often be visible as splits or frayed ends, while new growth will be present as a noticeable change in texture and color.
2. Check for Damage: Run your fingers through your hair to feel for any rough patches or areas where the hair feels brittle. These may indicate breakage.
3. Monitor the Growth Cycle: Hair typically goes through a growth cycle of about three to six years. During this cycle, you will experience phases of growth, shedding, and rest. Being aware of this cycle can help you identify new growth.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between breakage and new growth is essential for maintaining healthy hair. By paying attention to the texture, color, and length of your hair, as well as examining the ends and monitoring the growth cycle, you can easily differentiate between the two. Taking care of your hair by addressing breakage and embracing new growth will lead to a healthier and more manageable mane.
