New Hair Growth vs Breakage: How to Spot the Difference

At first glance, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between new hair growth and hair breakage. Both can cause short, fine hairs to stick up, creating a frizzy or halo-like look.

Wherever you are in your hair growth journey — whether you’re trying to determine if you’re experiencing hair loss or are just starting treatment for it — learning how to identify new hair growth can help you know if you’re heading in the right direction.

Below, we’ll explain what new hair growth looks like and what you can expect as your hair starts to regrow. We’ll also compile a list of the telltale differences between new hair growth versus breakage.

Before we go into detail on what new hair growth usually looks like, let’s quickly explain why and how hair loss occurs in the first place.

It’s normal for some hair to fall out every day — this is just the final stage of the hair growth cycle. That said, certain issues may cause your hair to fall out at a faster rate (or not grow at all).

Common types of hair loss include:

• Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia

• Telogen effluvium, a temporary form of shedding caused by severe stress, hormonal changes, or illness

• Fungal scalp infections, which can damage hair follicles

• Traction alopecia, which is caused by harsh styling techniques and tight hairstyles

• Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects hair follicles

Hair loss often gets worse over time — so the sooner you get hair loss treatment, the better. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, if you notice any early signs of baldness.

If you have noticeable frizz or short hairs appearing here and there, it can be hard to tell whether it’s caused by new hair growth or brittle hairs that have broken off. What does new growth hair look like? And how does it differ from broken hair strands?

Here’s a main rundown between the two:  

• Hair breakage happens when the hair shaft gets torn in one or more places. It typically occurs when you have damaged hair, which tends to be fragile, brittle, and easier to break.

• New hair growth also causes short hairs, but they’ll often appear finer than the rest of your hair. These strands might be a different color.

This chart can help you identify whether your hair is growing or breaking.

If you’re struggling to see any new hair growth, one technique that could make it easier to notice is taking regular progress photos. By snapping a photo in the same lighting conditions every month, you’ll be able to identify new hair growth as it occurs.

Our guide to taking finasteride before-and-after photos explains how you can take accurate pictures and assess your hair growth progress over time.

Many factors can cause hair breakage, including:

• Heat styling and harsh hair products, which can damage the hair shaft

• Tight hairstyles, which can put tension on the scalp and strands

• Bad hair care habits, like brushing wet hair or heat-styling too often

Don’t mistake broken hairs for baby hairs. One way to identify baby hairs versus breakage is that baby hairs tend to form around the temples and hairline, while broken hairs can appear anywhere on the head.

That said, not all baby hairs will grow into longer hairs. Some might stay short, like those around your hairline.

If you’re unsure, a hairstylist can help you identify if your hair is brittle and damaged and offer advice to encourage healthy hair growth. 

If you’re beginning to lose your hair, don’t believe the myth that nothing can be done about it. Many research-backed hair loss treatments can promote healthy hair regrowth, boost hair density, and, at the very least, prevent hair loss from getting worse.

Some worthwhile treatments include:

• Minoxidil. This FDA-approved, over-the-counter topical treatment promotes blood flow to the scalp, stimulating hair growth. In addition to a liquid solution, Minoxidil comes in the form of a liquid solution and foam.

• Finasteride. Specifically used for male pattern baldness, finasteride is an FDA-approved prescription pill that blocks the body from producing the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), shielding hair follicles from damage.

• Topical finasteride & minoxidil spray. This safe and effective hair loss combo is worth trying if you want to give your hair the best possible shot at recovering from male pattern hair loss.

• Supplements. Brittle hair and telogen effluvium can be caused by vitamin deficiencies. Try a hair loss supplement like our biotin gummies to boost your nutrient levels.

To prevent hair breaking, practice good hair care habits. Some top tips include:

• Avoid excessive brushing and combing.  

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

• Keep your scalp and hair clean.

• Avoid overly tight hairstyles, like tight braids, buns, or ponytails. 

• Avoid excessive use of harsh chemicals, like bleach or relaxers.

• Opt for gentle shampoos and conditioners.

• Use deep-conditioning hair masks or hair oils for hydration.

• Use a heat-protectant product when using heat-styling tools.  

• Use the lowest heat setting on your blow dryer

• Be gentle when detangling your hair.

• Give yourself regular scalp massages.

• Get regular hair trims to keep split ends at bay. 

Our men’s hair care tips go into more detail about these habits and how you can make them part of your daily hair care routine.

At first glance, broken hairs might look like hair growth, as both can show up as small, short hairs around different parts of the scalp. 

It can be hard to discern new hair growth sticking up from broken, flyaway hairs. But here’s what you should keep in mind to tell the difference between new hair growth versus breakage:

• Shorter hairs in thinning areas are usually a sign of hair growth. These hairs may start out as small dark spots on the scalp as they begin to grow from the hair follicle and out through the skin. 

• Broken hair is typically caused by hair damage. Hair breakage is usually accompanied by brittle hair strands, split ends, and increased hair fall.

• Take before-and-after photos. If you’ve recently started treating your hair loss, taking a photo of your hairline and scalp on a monthly basis can help you track your progress.   

Since your hair requires time to grow, patience is key. Focus on practicing good hair health habits, using your hair loss treatment consistently, and avoiding harsh styling techniques.

Interested in getting started? We can set you up to speak with a healthcare provider online. This is the first step toward accessing the best hair treatment for your specific hair type.