Will my hair regrow on its own after being ripped out from my head? (Photo)

Question

There was a very large amount of hair ripped from my head during a fight but there's no skin or blood missing this has happened once before but was half the amount in a similar spot but possibly higher...my hair has already grown back from first incident but the second incident happened today and the bald spot is MUCH larger

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

If the hair was pulled out without tearing or removing the skin, there is a good chance that it will grow back, particularly since you mentioned that the previous area recovered. When hair is forcibly pulled out, the follicles can be temporarily injured, but they are often still intact and capable of producing new hair.

The main concern is whether there was actual damage to the scalp or the hair follicles. Since you don't describe bleeding, missing skin, or an open wound, that is reassuring. However, because this episode involved a much larger amount of hair being pulled out, the area may take several months to visibly fill back in. Hair growth is slow, so it can initially look quite dramatic even when the follicles are recovering.

For now, avoid additional traction, tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, or excessive manipulation of the affected area. Gentle scalp care is appropriate.

If the scalp becomes painful, swollen, develops sores or crusting, or the bald area continues to expand rather than gradually showing regrowth, that would be more concerning for significant follicular injury or another cause of hair loss. Repeated episodes of forceful pulling can also increase the risk of permanent follicle damage.

Overall, the absence of skin injury is encouraging, and regrowth is certainly possible, but it will take time to know how completely the area will recover.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. That is a lot of hair that was ripped out. Typically when hair is pulled out by the root it does grow back. Seeing that this is a very large section of hair it could take some time. Best wished to you.

Dr. T

Dr. T

Will my hair regrow on its own after being ripped out from my head? (Photo)

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