Hair breakage is a common problem that many people face. It can be caused by factors like heat styling, chemical processing, tight hairstyles, and hair damage. When the hair breaks, it severs the hair shaft and prevents it from continuing to grow from the scalp. This often leaves people wondering – can hair still grow after breakage occurs?
What happens when hair breaks?
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin arranged in three layers – the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The cuticle is the protective outer layer while the cortex gives hair its strength and structure.
When hair breaks, it fractures through the cortex and cuticle. This severing stops the hair from being able to grow any further from the scalp. The broken hair will not be able to regain its original length. Any new hair that grows will emerge from the scalp instead.
Can the broken hair strand reattach and continue growing?
Unfortunately, a broken hair strand cannot reattach itself to the hair root in the scalp. The hair follicle underground remains alive, but the severed hair shaft is cut off from its nutrient and protein supply.
Without the ability to get nutrients from the body, the broken hair strand is no longer able to grow. The cuticle and cortex are damaged to the point that they cannot be repaired. So while the strand of hair itself is unable to grow, the follicle can still produce new hair to replace what was lost from breakage.
What factors influence hair growth after breakage?
While broken hairs cannot reattach or continue growing, the overall hair regrowth process is influenced by a few key factors:
Health of the hair follicles
Healthy, active follicles are able to grow hair well. Damaged or compressed follicles may produce thinner, slower growing hair. Taking care of the scalp and follicles can promote optimal hair regrowth after breakage.
Nutrient intake
Getting adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals supports hair growth. A balanced diet or supplements help fuel the hair growth process. Being deficient in certain nutrients can lead to excessive shedding or slower regrowth.
Hormonal balance
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones influence the hair growth cycle. Any hormonal imbalances or thyroid disorders can disrupt healthy hair regrowth. These may need to be addressed to support hair regrowth.
Genetics
Genetics play a big role in the thickness and rate of hair growth. Those with a family history of thick hair may regrow hair more quickly than others after breakage. Age can also impact how well hair regrows.
Damage to the scalp
Inflammation, infections, or other trauma to hair follicles can impede their ability to effectively regrow hair after breakage occurs. Taking steps to heal the scalp may help with regrowth.
Tips to help promote hair growth after breakage
It takes time for new hair to grow in and replace what was lost from breakage. But the following tips can help support the hair regrowth process:
Reduce additional damage
Avoid heat styling, chemical processing, tight hairstyles, and excessive brushing to prevent further damage as new hair grows in. Use gentle, nourishing products and hairstyles.
Address any scalp issues
Treat any underlying scalp conditions, inflammation, or dandruff to create a healthy environment for hair regrowth.
Massage the scalp
Gently massaging the scalp can increase circulation and stimulate the hair follicles. Do this a few times a week.
Take supplements
Biotin, collagen, keratin, and multivitamins provide nutrients that optimize hair growth. Work with a doctor to ensure you take appropriate supplements.
Eat a balanced diet
Make sure to get adequate protein, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, and D to nourish hair follicles. Hydrate well by drinking plenty of water.
Try a topical treatment
Serums with peptides, antioxidants, or growth factors may help stimulate follicles. Use consistently for best results.
Get scalp micropigmentation
This cosmetic tattooing creates the look of tiny follicles to disguise hair loss and breakage as new hair grows in.
How long does it take for new hair to grow after breakage?
On average, hair grows about 1⁄2 inch per month. So for hair that is shoulder length, it can take 6 months to a year for new growth to reach the same length as the hair that broke off.
For short styles, the regrowth process is quicker – taking just a few months to reach the original length. Some only need to wait 2-3 months for a short pixie cut or bob to grow back out after breakage.
The speed of regrowth depends on an individual’s hair genetics, health, age, and lifestyle factors. With proper care, the hair growth cycle will continue as normal to replace what was lost from breakage over time.
What does hair look like as it is growing back after breakage?
As new hair emerges after breakage, it will typically look different than the original hair:
Shorter strands
The new hair has to start growing from scratch, so initially expect to see much shorter strands around the area of breakage.
Tapered lengths
With some breakage, the lengths may remain tapered or layered looking as short new hairs blend with longer unbroken hairs.
Thinner texture
Any damage to follicles may mean the new hair grows back slightly thinner or with less density.
Flyaways or frizz
New short hairs around damaged areas often stick out or appear frizzy before they gain enough length and weight.
Different curl pattern
Curly or wavy hair may return with a looser curl pattern or texture as it regrows.
Grey hairs
If the breakage occurred due to harsh damage, the new growth sometimes contains more grey strands as well.
Does hair grow back differently after breakage?
Hair that regrows after breakage may look and feel different from the original hair in some cases:
Texture
The new hair could come in smoother or rougher in texture than before, especially if damage has occurred to the follicles.
Color
Sometimes the new hair grows in lighter or darker as melanin levels change. Increased grey hairs are common.
Thickness
If the follicles were compromised, the hair may be thinner or less dense than before the breakage.
Growth rate
Extensive damage may slow the rate of growth. But in other cases, taking supplements actually helps hair grow faster.
Length
Obviously the new hair has to start growing from zero length so the strands will be shorter at first.
Curl pattern
Those with curly hair may notice their curls are looser, while straight hair could develop a wave.
When to see a doctor about hair breakage
In most cases, hair can regenerate and grow back normally after minor breakage. But it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist if you notice:
– Sudden increased shedding or bald patches
– Breakage that doesn’t seem to improve over 6-12 months
– Scalp that appears red, irritated, or inflamed
– Hair not growing back or regrowing much thinner/finer
This can signal an underlying health condition is interfering with the hair regrowth process. Seeing a doctor helps determine the cause and get proper treatment.
Treatments to help hair regrow after breakage
If hair growth is stalled or insufficient after breakage, a doctor may recommend treatments to stimulate regrowth:
Medications
Minoxidil, spironolactone, or finasteride are commonly prescribed to treat hair loss and enhance regrowth.
Light therapy
Low level laser treatments or LED light devices applied to the scalp help stimulate follicles.
Microneedling
This procedure uses tiny needles to induce collagen and boost absorption of products.
PRP injections
Platelet rich plasma made from your blood is injected into the scalp to promote healing and growth factors.
Supplements
Your doctor may suggest specialized supplements if you have nutrient deficiencies inhibiting growth.
Coping with hair regrowth after breakage
It can be disheartening to deal with damaged, broken hair. Here are some tips to help you stay positive as you wait for it to grow back:
Embrace protective styles
Wear braids, wigs, headscarves or hats to blend patches and uneven lengths while new hair grows in.
Use volumizing products
Texturizing sprays, mousses and root boosters help disguise sparse areas temporarily.
Focus on health
Reduce stress, exercise, hydrate, and eat nutritious foods to nurture your whole body.
Change your part
Switch up your part to distribute new growth and avoid a drastic short-to-long look.
Get regular trims
Light trims every 4-6 weeks help maintain a blunt line as new hair comes in.
Use extensions
Clip-ins seamlessly add fullness without damage while waiting for natural hair to reach desired length.
Conclusion
Hair breakage can be worrying, but the hair growth cycle will continue in the vast majority of cases. Focus on scalp health, reducing damage, and staying patient. With proper care and time, the hair follicles will regenerate and regrow the broken strands. Implementing some coping techniques makes dealing with the regrowth process easier. See a doctor if you have ongoing issues with stalled or thinning regrowth. In most instances, the hair will be back to its former appearance and shine within 6 to 12 months.