Are My Vellus Hair a Sign of Balding? Tips to Grow Them Back

For years, people have been styling their baby hairs and experimenting with a lot of new styles. But, if you’re new to the world of vellus hair, how do you know if that’s really what those fine hairs are? Baby hairs and hair breakage are unfortunately mistaken for one another very often. It’s easy to confuse the two when they tend to look similar. In this article, we’ll discuss baby hairs, whether they are a sign of breakage, and how to get rid of them if they annoy you.

What are baby hairs?

Baby hairs are those delicate, short hairs that sit around your hairline; this can be in front, sides, and the nape of your head. They are a natural part of our growth cycle. These hairs are usually finer in texture than the rest of your hair. Due to its fine and feathery texture, baby hairs are also referred to as vellus hair.

Baby hairs can be considered a type of flyaway because they are wispy and a little unruly, which makes them lay in whatever direction they want.

Can baby hairs be a sign of balding?

Baby hairs are not directly a sign of balding. A few baby hairs on your hairline are very common, but too much growth may suggest possible hair damage. An increase in baby hairs on your scalp can mean that your hair follicles are not getting enough nutrients to grow healthy terminal hairs. This can make your hair follicles shrink, which gives rise to vellus hair.

An increase in vellus hair replacing your terminal hairs on the scalp might be one of the initial signs of baldness. For example, in conditions like Cushing syndrome and alopecia areata, increased levels of androgens in your bloodstream can lead to an increase in vellus hair on the scalp. As these finer hairs take over, they can eventually lead to noticeable empty patches, which is a characteristic of balding patterns.

What to do if it’s a sign of balding?

If you’re concerned about an unusual increase in baby hairs, especially if combined with hair thinning in other areas, you should consult a doctor for a thorough assessment. A trained professional can help you differentiate new hairs from other potential signs of underlying conditions.

Can baby hairs be a sign of breakage?

Baby hairs are not always signs of breakage since these hairs usually grow fragile and thin. So, it’s important to be able to differentiate between the two. If the hairs along your hairline are uneven in length and feel very dry and brittle, it’s likely due to hair breakage. Another sign that your baby hairs are actually breakage is if the hairs look and feel tapered at the ends, just like split ends.

Tips to grow back your vellus hair

Here are some best tips regrow your vellus hair if it's a sign of balding or breakage.

1. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced and healthy diet is super essential when it comes to a healthy hairline. A balanced diet that's high in antioxidants may help your hair grow thicker and fuller. So, add minerals, vitamins, and proteins to your diet to promote hair health. Fruits, leafy greens, eggs, nuts, lean meats, and fish are also great choices.

2. Massage with oils

Massaging your hairline and scalp with hair oils can stimulate the scalp and might help improve thickness. One study showed that a scalp massage improves blood flow, hair growth, and scalp health. More than that, it can help relieve tension and stress, two emotions that might cause hair loss.

3. Use aloe vera

Aloe vera is a top skin treatment with amazing ingredients that may help regrow your hair. It has many enzymes and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a safe and effective treatment for hair growth. You can apply aloe vera gel to your scalp a few times every week or use a shampoo and conditioner that has aloe vera.

4. Keep your hair moisturized

Moisture is always the name of the game for your entire hair. So, you want to make sure that your hair is always hydrated. This goes double for fragile baby hairs. You can do this by supplementing your haircare routine with moisturizing products like leave-in conditioners. You can also add hair oils that have been shown to promote hair growth, like olive and coconut oils.

5. Brush your hair gently

Sometimes, it takes a lot of effort to pull the hair back into a ponytail, but you need to handle your hair with care if you want it to grow. Overbrushing your hairline with a hard bristle brush might weaken your already fragile baby hairs. Instead, you should try a soft brush to gently lay your edges flat.

How to get rid of vellus hair

If the unruly appearance is annoying, you can always have it removed. There are a few methods to get rid of vellus hair. But always make sure you have a hair professional to take care of hair removal.

1. Threading

Threading is a popular way to shape your eyebrows, as well as remove facial hair. It's also a great option for removing baby hairs. Although effective, it’s a temporary solution, so you’ll need to do it regularly to maintain your hairline.

2. Waxing

Although waxing is an option, it is generally not recommended. This is because it can potentially cause damage to your hairline. If you go with this method, ensure it's done by a professional.

3. Laser hair removal

If you're looking for a more permanent solution, then professional laser hair removal might be just what you need. However, it's absolutely important to make sure you're well-informed. So, research the possible side effects as well as post-treatment care before you settle on this method.

How to manage your baby hairs

Baby hairs can sometimes be annoying to manage, but with the right tools, you can tame them and achieve a polished look. Here are some tips for styling:

• Hairspray. You can use a hairspray to make sure your baby hairs remain in place. Just spray a light mist and then comb them to get a perfect hairline.
• Use a hair gel or styling cream. A hair gel or styling cream is a great option to style your baby hairs. Just flatten them to match your hairstyle or create soft curls for a playful look.
• Use a fine brush. Your regular hair brushes can be a bit rough on your hairline. Because your baby hairs are delicate, you’ll need a fine brush, or even a toothbrush, to align your baby hairs.

Baby hairs are a natural part of our hair anatomy, though they can sometimes be very annoying and a hindrance in getting that perfect hairstyle. The good news is that you can always style them or even have them removed. However, it’s important to ensure they’re not early signs of baldness or hair damage. You should consult a doctor if you see too much vellus hair growth.