Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle is a continuous process that involves several stages through which each hair follicle passes. Each hair on your head grows at different rates and is at a different phase of the cycle at any given time. The cycle includes four key stages: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Early Anagen.

The cycle is important because it governs the production and shedding of hair, which is a natural process. Hair typically grows at an average rate of about 1 cm per month, though this can vary depending on factors like genetics, health, and age.

Anagen (Growth Phase):

This is the active growth phase of the hair cycle, where hair follicles are producing new hair. It lasts for 2-6 years and determines the length of your hair. During this phase, hair grows about 1 cm per month.
Catagen (Transitional Phase):

The catagen phase lasts for about 2-3 weeks. During this phase, hair growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks. The hair detaches from its blood supply and becomes a club hair, which will eventually shed.
Telogen (Resting Phase):

The telogen phase lasts for about 2-3 months. During this phase, the hair is not growing but is still attached to the follicle. At the end of this phase, the hair will shed naturally, making way for a new hair strand to begin the anagen phase.
Exogen (Shedding Phase)

The exogen phase occurs after telogen and is the phase where the hair is actively shed. This phase marks the shedding of the club hair from the follicle, making way for new hair to begin growing.
Anagen (New Growth Phase)

The new anagen phase is when a new hair strand begins to grow from the follicle, pushing out the old, shed hair. The new hair starts out fine and short and gradually strengthens and lengthens as it progresses through the full anagen phase.

Each hair follicle follows its own cycle, which is why you may notice different hair lengths and growth rates across your scalp. Factors like age, stress, health, and hormones can influence the duration and timing of each phase.