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The hair growth cycle consists of four distinct stages that each hair on your body goes through independently.
They form the Anagen, Catagen Telogen Exogen hair cycle.
Understanding these phases can help you better care for your hair and address any hair-related concerns.
The Four Stages of Hair Growth
| Phase |
Description |
Duration |
| Anagen |
The active growth phase where hair follicles
produce new hair fibers. |
3-5 years on average, can last up to 7 years |
| Catagen |
A short transitional phase signalling the end
of active growth. |
Approximately 10 days |
| Telogen |
The resting phase where hair remains in follicles but is not actively growing. |
About 3 months or 100 days |
| Exogen |
The shedding phase where old hairs fall out,
allowing the cycle to begin again. |
Part of the telogen phase, lasts 2-5 months |
Controllable Stages of the Hair Growth Cycle
Anagen (Growth) Phase
- Nutrition and diet can support a healthy anagen phase.
- Reducing stress may help prolong the anagen phase.
- Certain medications, gene therapies, and extracellular vesicle treatments may promote anagen.
Catagen (Transition) Phase
- Avoiding tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals can help maintain hair health during this phase.
Telogen (Resting) Phase
- Avoiding trauma to the scalp and excessive brushing is important during telogen.
- Stress reduction may help prevent premature entry into telogen.
Exogen (Shedding) Phase
- A balanced diet and proper nutrition can support healthy shedding and regrowth.
Overall Cycle Regulation
- BMP and WNT signalling pathways appear to be key components of the "hair cycle clock" that regulates transitions between phases.
- Other pathways like FGF, PDGF, TGFβ, and TNFα can also modulate the hair cycle.
- Choosing appropriate hair care products for your hair type may help optimize each phase.
Cycle Synchronization
- The spatial patterning and timing of hair follicle development can influence cycle synchronization across the scalp.
Cycle Length
- Factors like age, genetics, and hormones can affect how long each phase lasts.
While we can influence some aspects, it's important to note that the hair growth cycle is a complex biological process that is not fully under our control. Many of the regulatory mechanisms are still being researched.
Determining Your Hair Growth Cycle Phase
Indicators of Hair Growth Cycle Phases
Hair Growth Rate
If your hair seems to be growing steadily, you likely have a good proportion of hairs in the anagen (growth) phase. The anagen phase typically lasts 2-7 years for scalp hair.
Hair Shedding
- Normal shedding of 50-100 hairs per day indicates some hairs are in the exogen (shedding) phase.
- Excessive shedding may suggest more hairs than usual have entered the telogen (resting) phase, which can happen due to stress, nutritional deficiencies, or other factors.
Hair Thickness
If you notice your hair becoming thinner over time, it could indicate that more hairs are spending time in the telogen phase rather than the anagen phase.
Hair Length
The maximum length your hair can grow is determined by how long it stays in the anagen phase. If your hair seems to stop growing at a certain length, it may indicate the duration of your anagen phase.
Scalp Examination
A dermatologist or trichologist can perform a scalp examination using tools like a trichoscope to assess the proportion of hairs in different phases.
Hair Pull Test
A simple test where a small bundle of hair is gently pulled can give an indication of how many hairs are in the telogen phase.
It's important to note that at any given time, about 80-90% of your hairs are typically in the anagen phase, 1-2% in catagen, and 10-15% in telogen. The hair growth cycle is a continuous process, with individual hairs cycling through the phases independently. If you're concerned about changes in your hair growth or loss, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.
Factors Affecting the Hair Growth Cycle
- Nutrition:
A balanced diet with adequate
vitamins, iron, fiber,
and protein helps regulate the hair growth cycle.
- Stress: High stress levels can increase the time
hair spends in the resting phase, potentially leading to hair loss.
- Hormones: Thyroid hormones and
dihydrotestosterone play a role in
regulating hair growth.
- Blood flow: Increased blood flow to the scalp can
promote hair growth. Options include;
massage,
microneedling
and Red
Light Therapy.
- Medications: Certain medications, including
chemotherapy drugs, can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Maintaining Healthy Hair Growth
To support a healthy hair growth cycle:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Use appropriate hair care products;
hair oils
and
shampoos, for your hair type
- Avoid harsh chemical treatments and excessive heat styling
- Consider
scalp massage for hair growth stimulation to improve follicle blood circulation
If you are experiencing unusual hair loss or changes in your hair growth cycle, consult a
dermatologist or trichologist for personalised advice and treatment options.
For general help with everyday hair health issues, please browse our website
where we can point you to a number of successful hair growth solutions.
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