• CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
  • CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
  • CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
  • CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
  • CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
  • CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
  • CURATED IN JODHPUR (INDIA), CRAFTED IN ITALY.
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Understanding the 4 Phases of Hair Growth for Healthier Hair

October 05, 2024 5 min read

Phases of hair Growth

Have you ever really thought about how your hair grows? It’s actually pretty interesting! Most of us don’t pay much attention to the hair growth process, which is understandable. But since so many people want healthier hair, understanding how hair naturally grows can help you take better care of it. In this guide, we’ll break down the four stages of hair growth. By learning about these phases, you’ll gain insight into how to encourage healthier hair.

The four phases of hair development—Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen—will help explain how they affect each hair's growth cycle.

Phase 1: Anagen Phase (Growing Phase)

During the Anagen phase hair allocates the most growth. As your hair grows, the hair matrix becomes active, creating new hair strands that push the hair upward. This period may last from two to seven years based upon the ancestry and well-being of the person.

What occurs in the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle?

  • Hair grows about fifty percent an inch in thirty days in this phase. 
  • The Anagen phase is the phase during which the actual growth occurs and is preferred to be as long as possible because the longer your hair is in the Anagen phase the longer it can grow. 
  • Some individuals have a short Anagen phase, this is why some find it difficult to grow their hair beyond a given length. 
  • The hair follicle receives supplies of nutrients from blood vessels which supply blood to the hair roots. 
  • Many cells in the hair bulb are involved in severing and consequently assist in constructing the hair shaft as well elongating it. 

How Can You Extend the Anagen Phase?

  • Healthy Diet: Dietary intake of foods containing Vitamin D and Biotin, proteins and omega 3 fatty acids enhance the hair growth phase.
  • Scalp Care: If the scalps are clean and healthy no parts of the hair follicle are clogged hence supporting continued hair growth.
  • Reduce Stress: Stress has been known to cause hair loss and may also affect the Anagen phase. Add things that help decrease stress such as practicing yoga or meditation.

Phase 2: The Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

Growing and Transitional Phase of hair

  • The Catagen phase is the stage by which hairs cease to grow and it is the phase when hairs are in the process of shedding. 
  • It usually ranges from two to three weeks. 
  • During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks, and the lower part of the hair root stops getting nutrients from the scalp.
  • Catagen is the stage in hair growth wherein the hair stops growing and the follicle enters its resting phase.
  • The hair bulb separates from the blood capillary and no new hair forming cells are produced. 
  • This is why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘regression’ phase because the follicle starts to reduce in size for shedding.
  • Even though no new hair growth occurs, the hair doesn’t fall out immediately. It remains in place until it reaches the next phase of the cycle.

How to Maintain Hair During the Catagen Phase?

  • Gentle Hair Care: Since your hair is no longer growing, it's important to treat it gently to prevent breakage.
  • Avoid Harsh Treatments: Heat styling, excessive coloring, or chemical treatments can damage the fragile hair during this phase.
  • Use Nourishing Oils: Essential oils like jojoba or coconut oil can help keep the scalp and hair moisturized, preventing dryness.

Phase 3: The Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

The Telogen phase is also known as the resting phase, where the hair follicle remains dormant for about two to four months. Around 10-15% of your hair is in the Telogen phase at any given time. 

What Happens During the Telogen Phase?

  • During this phase, the hair follicle rests, and the old hair remains attached while the new hair starts to grow underneath it. Hair doesn’t grow or shed during this time, but the hair is essentially inactive.
  • This is also the phase where hair shedding occurs. While it’s normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day, excessive shedding could indicate stress, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health issues.

What You Can Do During the Telogen Phase?

  • Minimize Stress: Stress can push more hair into the Telogen phase, leading to excessive shedding. Prioritize self-care and mental well-being.
  • Use Strengthening Treatments: Hair masks, protein treatments, or serums can keep your hair strands strong, even when they’re not actively growing.
  • Monitor Shedding: If you notice more shedding than usual, consult a dermatologist to identify any potential scalp or hair issues.

Phase 4: The Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)

Resting & Shedding Phase of Hair

The Exogen phase encompasses both phases: Old and New. During this phase the old hair falls out and new strands emerge. The transit of this phase takes two to five months allowing the newer hair to displace the older strand for fresh growth.

During the Exogen phase of hair growth what occurs?

  • The follicle detachments the hair strand with it dropping to the floor. As the Anagen stage advances the fresh hair will step in. 
  • In this phase removing hair is totally normal. Hair loss that is higher than normal could reveal influences from hormone imbalance or stress.

What Steps Can You Take to Help Hair Through the Exogen Phase?

  • Avoid Tugging and Pulling: Treat your hair carefully when brushing or styling it to stop extra hair loss.
  • Opt for Loose Hairstyles: Pulling on your roots can result from tight ponytails or braids that cause increased shedding.
  • Stimulate Hair Growth: Applied to the scalp with oil or serum can energize the follicles facilitating faster new hair growth.

Factors That Affect the Hair Growth Cycle

Understanding the hair growth phases is essential, but it's also crucial to know the factors that can influence these stages. Your genetics, health, and lifestyle choices all play a significant role in how quickly or slowly your hair progresses through the growth cycle.

  • Age - As we age, our hair growth cycles become shorter. Hair spends less time in the Anagen phase, which means it doesn’t grow as long. Aging can also cause the hair to thin, making it appear less full.
  • Hormonal Changes - Hormones greatly impact hair growth. Women often experience changes during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances such as thyroid issues or PCOS can also trigger excessive hair loss or disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
  • Diet and Nutrition - A diet lacking essential vitamins and nutrients can stunt hair growth or cause excessive shedding. Hair thrives on protein, iron, biotin, and vitamin A, so make sure you're eating a balanced diet rich in these nutrients.
  • Stress - High levels of stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition where more hair enters the resting phase prematurely. This leads to excessive shedding and slower regrowth.
  • Hair Care Practices - Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, or tight hairstyles can weaken your hair strands and disturb the growth cycle. Gentle, consistent care will help keep your hair healthy throughout all four phases.

Conclusion

The four phases of hair growth—Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen—are part of the natural cycle that every hair strand goes through. Understanding these phases will help you take better care of your hair, knowing when it’s growing, resting, or shedding. Proper scalp care, a balanced diet, and stress management can keep your hair in its optimal state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does hair stay in the Anagen phase?  

Hair stays in the Anagen phase for about 2-7 years, depending on genetics, health, and overall care.

Can stress cause hair loss?  

Yes, stress can push more hair into the Telogen phase, leading to excessive shedding known as telogen effluvium.

What can I do to encourage hair growth?  

Maintain a healthy diet, practice gentle hair care, and reduce stress to encourage longer, healthier hair growth.

Is it normal to shed hair every day?  

Yes, it’s normal to shed about 50-100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle.

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