Hair Growth Cycle
The life cycle of a hair follicle
Understanding the 4 Stages of Hair Growth
If you're on a quest for long, healthy hair, or simply want to maintain your hair's optimal health, understanding the natural hair growth cycle is crucial. This cycle consists of four distinct stages, each playing a vital role in the life of your hair. Not only does this apply to the hair on top of your head, but also your lashes and eyebrows! Let's take a closer look.
Anagen - The Growing Phase
The anagen phase is where the magic begins. During this stage, cells in the root of the hair rapidly divide, forming and growing new hair. Remarkably, about 90% of your hair is in this growing phase at any given time. It's the longest phase of the cycle, lasting between 3 to 5 years for the hairs on your head, though it can extend up to 7 years for some people. This extended period is why some individuals can grow their hair exceptionally long.
Eyelashes typically last between 6-10 weeks. Eyebrows typically last between 8-12 weeks. This is where growing serums (Latisse, GrandeLash MD, Rapid Lash, etc) can extend the anagen phase for longer, more luscious looking lashes and eyebrows.
Catagen - The Regression Phase
Next comes the catagen phase, also known as the transition phase. This phase kicks in after a new hair strand is fully formed and signals the end of active hair growth. During this brief period, typically lasting around 10 days, the hair follicles shrink, and individual hairs detach from the cells that produce new hair. Roughly 5% of your hair is in the catagen phase at any given moment.
Telogen - The Resting Phase
The telogen phase is essentially a resting period for your hair. Lasting about 3 to 5 months per strand, this inactive stage sees hair no longer growing, with strands nearly completely detached from the follicles. While your hair won’t grow during telogen, it isn’t ready to fall out either. Approximately 10-15% of your hair is in this resting phase right now.
Exogen - The Shedding Phase
Finally, we have the exogen phase, where hair strands are completely released from their follicles and fall out. This is the phase responsible for the hairs you find in your hairbrush or in the shower. Spanning about 2 to 5 months, it's completely normal to shed 50 to 100 strands of hair each day. As these hairs shed, new hairs begin to grow in their place, starting the cycle anew.
Why Understanding These Stages is Crucial for Hair Care
Knowing the stages of hair growth can help you differentiate between natural hair shedding and abnormal hair loss or thinning. Certain factors, such as illness, surgery, extreme stress, or giving birth, can send signals to hair follicles prompting an early transition from the anagen phase to the telogen phase. This can result in excessive shedding in the following months. Additionally, underlying conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disease can adversely affect your hair growth cycle, making it essential to discuss any changes in hair growth with your doctor.
Promoting a Healthy Hair Growth Cycle
One proactive way to promote a healthy hair growth cycle is by caring for your scalp. A healthy, balanced scalp is optimal for hair growth, while scalp conditions that cause dandruff or excess oil production can clog hair follicles and impede the anagen phase. Working with your doctor or dermatologist to diagnose any scalp conditions and create a scalp care routine can help you maintain healthy hair growth.
Understanding the hair growth cycle allows you to better manage your hair care routine and address any issues that may arise. By focusing on maintaining a healthy scalp and overall well-being, you can support each phase of the hair growth cycle and keep your hair looking its best.
