Hair growth is a natural process many individuals observe, seeking signs of lengthening and thickening. Understanding its indicators helps assess hair health and progress. This article clarifies how to identify if your hair is truly growing.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair growth is a continuous, cyclical process involving distinct phases. The longest phase is the anagen, or growth phase, where hair actively grows from the follicle. This phase typically lasts between two and seven years, though it can vary based on genetics, age, and overall health. During the anagen phase, hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch (1 to 1.5 cm) per month.
Following the anagen phase is the catagen phase, a short transitional period lasting approximately two to three weeks. In this phase, hair growth slows, and the hair follicle shrinks, detaching itself from its blood supply. The final stage is the telogen, or resting phase, which lasts about two to four months. During this time, the hair remains in the follicle but does not grow, eventually being shed as new hair begins to emerge beneath it.
Visible Indicators of Hair Growth
Observing new hair growth often begins at the scalp. A primary sign is new root growth, particularly noticeable if your hair is dyed, as your natural hair color becomes visible near the scalp. These new strands may also exhibit a different texture, often feeling softer and finer than existing hair, and can sometimes appear lighter.
Another indicator is the emergence of “baby hairs” or “peach fuzz” along the hairline or part. These fine, short strands are early signs of active follicles, indicating new growth, though not all will mature into longer, thicker strands. An overall increase in hair volume can also signify new growth as more hairs emerge and fill in areas that may have appeared thinner. Some individuals might also notice small, dark spots or “shadows” on the scalp near hair follicles, signaling new hair forming beneath the skin.
Practical Ways to Measure Hair Growth
To objectively track hair growth, several practical methods can be employed. One common technique involves using a flexible measuring tape to measure specific strands from the scalp to the ends. This method allows for precise quantification of length, and it is helpful to measure different sections of the head to account for variations in growth. Measuring hair when it is dry and consistently from the same starting point, such as the root at the scalp, ensures accuracy.
Taking regular progress photos provides a visual record of growth over time. Consistency in lighting, angle, and background is helpful to make comparisons more evident. Some individuals also compare their hair length against fixed points on their body, such as the earlobe, shoulder, or specific markings on clothing, which can offer a simple, albeit less precise way to monitor changes.
Differentiating Growth from Damage
Distinguishing new hair growth from hair damage, particularly breakage, can be challenging. New hair growth typically has a smooth, tapered tip, indicating it has grown naturally from the follicle. In contrast, broken hair strands often have blunt, frayed, or split ends, as they have snapped off along the hair shaft. Broken hair may also feel rough or brittle and can appear as uneven lengths or short, frizzy pieces, especially in areas prone to stress like the hairline or frequent heat styling.
Understanding normal hair shedding is also important. It is common to lose between 50 and 150 hairs daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. This normal shedding differs from a lack of new growth or excessive hair loss, where the number of hairs shed significantly increases or new hair fails to replace lost strands. If the short hairs are consistently present but do not lengthen, they might be natural baby hairs with a shorter growth cycle rather than signs of breakage.