Some baby hairs may never grow to the length of other hairs. This is because the hair follicles producing these hairs may have shorter growth cycles or be genetically predisposed to produce shorter hairs. They may also be more prone to breakage due to their fragility.
Why Some Baby Hairs Appear Shorter
Several factors contribute to the perception that some baby hairs don't grow:
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Shorter Hair Growth Cycle: Not all hair follicles operate on the same timeline. Some have shorter anagen (growth) phases, resulting in shorter hairs. Baby hairs often originate from these follicles. This means they reach their maximum length sooner and then enter the resting phase.
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Fragility: Baby hairs are delicate and more prone to breakage, making them appear shorter than they actually are. Constant manipulation, friction from clothing, and even harsh styling products can easily damage them before they reach a significant length.
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Genetic Predisposition: The genes dictating hair follicle behavior, including growth cycle length and hair thickness, influence the growth of individual hairs. Some individuals may naturally have more hair follicles with shorter growth cycles around their hairline, leading to persistent "baby hairs."
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Hair Follicle Damage: Damaged hair follicles might produce shorter, weaker hairs or may cease producing hair altogether.
Types of Hair and Growth
Hair growth varies across different hair types and locations on the scalp. Coily hair types (4A, 4B, and 4C) often exhibit more prominent baby hairs. However, this doesn't necessarily mean these hairs won't grow; rather, they may be more susceptible to breakage due to their texture and the likelihood of the growth cycle being shorter.
The concept of "baby hairs never growing" is an oversimplification. While some may remain short throughout their growth cycle, the hairs themselves do grow, but the overall growth may be limited by the factors mentioned above. New hairs continuously replace them as part of the natural hair growth cycle.
