While it may seem intuitive, possessing the right skills to identify new hair growth is essential to the trial-and-error process of hair recovery. According to the American Hair Loss Association, the average human scalp produces a half-inch of hair each month prior to symptoms of hair loss. By undertaking frequent inspections of bald or thinned areas of hair, you can discern accurately whether your hair is growing back.
Step 1
Look for signs of diminishing hair loss in the areas where you normally shed hair, such as on your pillow or your hairbrush. This may be a symptom that the hair loss phase is stopping and that the hair follicles have become stronger.
Step 2
Pick up the hand-held mirror to examine the particular bald or thinned areas of your scalp and body. Inspect the entire area for visible signs of growth as indicated by small jutting hairs or colored dots from the hair follicles. Notice any areas that seem to be hairier than the last time you looked.
Step 3
Perform a touch inspection of the bald areas and regions of the body by running your hand over the skin and feeling for new hairs. The sensation on the skin will be similar to touching a fine stubble that has been left after shaving.
Step 4
Position the two mirrors so that you are able to see the thinned and balding areas clearly on the back of your head. Wet a comb and slowly part the hair surrounding the bald spots so that you are able to see your scalp clearly. Look for any stubble or new growth in the parted area.
Step 5
Feel for any itching or foreign body sensation on the bald spots and thinned areas on the body. Notice any areas where the follicles may seem slightly swollen or pink with circulation; these can be signs of hair growth in the following weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- Hair cycles occur on most individuals happen every three to seven months, making it possible that your hair loss is temporary. Chemotherapy patients who have recently ended their radiation treatment can expect to see a soft fuzz in bald areas within three weeks and 1 inch of hair after two months.
- Beware any unproven ointments or shampoos that guarantee instant hair growth and research any hair care product thoroughly that claims to increase hair.
Things You'll Need
- Stationary mirror
- Hand-held mirror
- Comb
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