4 Stages of Hair Growth

 The anagen phase, also known as the growth phase, is the active phase of the hair growth cycle where hair follicles produce and elongate hair shafts. It typically lasts 2-6 years, with about 90% of hairs in this phase at any given time.  

• Active Growth:The anagen phase is characterized by rapid cell division in the hair follicle, resulting in the elongation of the hair shaft. 
• Hair Growth Rate: Hair grows approximately half an inch per month during the anagen phase. 
• Duration: The anagen phase can last for several years, with scalp hair typically remaining in this phase for 2 to 6 years. 
• Hair Follicle Activity: During the anagen phase, the hair follicle is fully active, producing and pushing the hair shaft upwards. 
• Percentage of hairs in anagen phase: About 80-90% of hairs on your head are in the anagen phase at any given time 
• Transition to Other Phases: Once the anagen phase ends, the hair follicle enters the catagen phase, a short transitional phase, followed by the telogen phase, a resting phase, where the hair eventually falls out. 

 Following the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transitional phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair. Approximately 3% of all hairs are in this stage at any time. 

• Timing: The catagen phase is the shortest of the three main phases, lasting roughly 10 to 20 days. 
• What happens:
  • Hair follicles shrink and regress. 
  • The hair shaft detaches from the blood supply and the root. 
  • Hair growth slows down significantly. 
  • The hair remains anchored in the follicle but is no longer actively growing. 
  • The hair follicle prepares for the telogen (resting) phase. 
• Transition: The catagen phase marks the transition from the active growth phase (anagen) to the resting phase (telogen). 

 The third stage of your natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period when strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing. An estimate of 10-15% of your hairs are in the Telogen Phase at any given moment. 

• Duration: Approximately 2-4 months 
• Hair Growth: Hair is dormant and does not grow 
• Hair Follicle: The hair follicle remains in the scalp but is inactive 
• Hair Shedding: About 10-15% of hair follicles enter the telogen phase at any given time, resulting in normal hair shedding.

• Causes: The telogen phase is a natural part of the hair growth cycle. However, certain factors can cause an increased number of hair follicles to enter the telogen phase prematurely, leading to excessive hair loss known as telogen effluvium. These factors include: Stress, Hormonal changes, Nutritional deficiencies, Medications, and Medical conditions. 

• Symptoms: 
• Increased hair shedding, especially noticeable in clumps or on the pillow
• Thinning hair
• Scalp may feel sensitive or itchy 

 The final stage of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out. Now the whole process can begin again! 

• What it is: The exogen phase marks the end of the hair growth cycle, where old hairs that have completed their growth cycle are shed, making way for new hair growth. 
• Timing and Duration: This phase typically lasts for 2 to 5 months. 
• Hair Shedding: During the exogen phase, it's normal to experience shedding, with 50 to 100 hairs falling out daily. 
• Relationship to other phases: The exogen phase is closely related to the telogen phase, where hair follicles are in a resting state, and the anagen phase, where new hair growth begins. 
• How it works: The exogen phase is essentially an extension of the telogen stage, where old hairs are pushed out by new hair growth as the follicle prepares for the next growth cycle.