The Four Phases of Hair Growth

There are four distinct phases of hair growth and many factors impact each phase:

1. Anagen (Growing Phase): This is the longest phase, lasting about 3 to 5 years for scalp hairs. During anagen, hair follicles actively produce new hair that continues to grow until it’s cut or reaches the end of its lifespan. Approximately 90% of the hairs on your head are in the anagen phase at any given time.

   
   

2. Catagen (Transition Phase): Following anagen, the catagen phase begins and lasts for about 10 days. During this phase, hair follicles shrink, hair growth slows down, and the hair separates from the bottom of the follicle. Only about 5% of your hairs are in the catagen phase.

   
   

3. Telogen (Resting Phase): The telogen phase typically lasts around 3 months. During this phase, hairs don’t grow, but they usually don’t fall out either. About 10 to 15% of your scalp hairs are in the telogen phase. New hairs start to form in follicles that have just released hairs during the previous catagen phase.

   
   

4. Exogen (Shedding Phase): The exogen phase is essentially an extension of the telogen stage. It’s when old hair sheds from the scalp, often helped along by washing and brushing. However, usually, a new hair is getting ready to take its place.

Remember that factors like age, nutrition, and overall health can influence the duration of each phase. Maintaining healthy hair involves understanding and supporting this natural growth cycle. 🌱

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