Baby Hairs vs Breakage: How to Tell the Difference

Ever put your hair up, only to have a halo of shorter hair sticking out around your face? This post is for you. 

These shorter hairs are often called baby hairs – and may be a sign of new hair growth or breakage. But either way, they can be a pain when trying to achieve sleek styles.

Our hair experts are here to help. In this guide, we look at some tests you can try to tell whether your baby hairs are a sign of new growth or breakage – and suggest some products that can help you avoid damaged hair and keep your mane looking and feeling healthy while it grows out.

Are Baby Hairs a Sign of Regrowth?

Before we get to the tests, let’s take a look at the common causes of baby hairs.

One of the reasons you may find shorter hairs around your face is that they’re simply new hairs growing out. These baby hairs often appear at the front of your hair and will all be around the same length. 

But not all baby hairs are a sign of regrowth. Wearing your hair up all the time, or using too much heat, can cause the strands around your face to snap. So, if your baby hairs look like they’re multiplying, then it might be breakage. 

That being said, it can be tricky to spot the difference and you don’t want to freak out if it’s just new hair growth. So, try the following tests to see if your baby hairs are a sign of regrowth or breakage…

Straggly Ends?

The ends of your baby hairs shouldn’t look split or tapered – so, if the shorter hair is jagged on the ends, then it’s probably breakage. 

If the ends are split, that’s a good indicator of damage too, especially if your hair feels really dry or crispy.

Way More Baby Hairs Than Usual?

Your baby hairs will be pretty consistent. But if you’re noticing more and more short strands around your hairline, it’s likely that it’s breakage. 

If it’s a growing problem, you’ll definitely need to change up your routine. Using too much heat or tying your hair up really tight are the two main culprits – so, it’s best to avoid these and go for something more gentle. 

If you’re struggling, we have a heatless hairstyle playlist here that’s full of gorgeous options.

A Quick Test

A good way to test whether it’s breakage or baby hairs is by pulling your hair up into a pony and gently lifting up all the shorter pieces. 

If they sit closer to your hairline, it’s likely that they’re baby hairs. But if the hair is longer and closer to your ponytail then it’s more likely to be breakage. 

This could be down to wearing your ponytail too tight, so it may be worth picking up some invisibobbles or trying out a low pony instead.

If you’ve read these tips and are thinking that your shorter hairs are down to breakage, we’ve found a few products that you’re definitely going to want to pick up. 

These will help strengthen and moisturise your hair, so it’s less prone to damage and will help to make it look a lot healthier while you’re growing it out.

Living Proof Restore Mask

This is a really rich mask that repairs and nourishes damaged hair while replenishing the moisture levels. 

It’s a little bit expensive but it’s also been proven to strengthen hair by 20% if you use it regularly, so it’s definitely worth it!

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment

This leave-in treatment is perfect for using every day to replenish the ends of your hair. 

It also helps to smooth the appearance of split ends and is enriched with protein to rebuild the surface of your strands and prevent breakage. 

The formula includes a heat protectant, too, which is great if you really can’t bear to go without styling.

L'Oreal Elvive Triple Resist Shampoo and Conditioner

This range is formulated for fragile hair and is enriched with arginine and protein which works to repair and rebuild your hair fibres. 

It’ll also help add moisture and reduce frizz, so your hair looks healthier overall and way more shiny.

Breakage is super annoying but it’s always worth remembering that your hair will go back thick and healthy with the right care. For more tips on repairing damaged hair, check out our helpful guide.

 In the meantime, clip-in hair extensions are the perfect way to cover up damaged hair and keep your locks looking their best while your hair regrows!