Hair growth is a dynamic and complex process influenced by various biological factors. Understanding the hair growth cycle can help individuals make informed decisions about their hair care and address common concerns such as thinning and baldness.
Here, we will explore the three stages of hair growth and offer insights aimed at supporting hair health.
What Are The 3 Stages of Hair Growth?
Anagen Phase (Growth Stage)
Duration: Typically lasts between 2 to 7 years
Characteristics: During this phase, the hair follicles push out hair shafts which are visible as scalp hairs. The hair strands grow actively due to the rapid cell division at the base of the hair follicle.
This growth occurs under the scalp in a part of the follicle known as the hair bulb, where the hair receives nourishment through the blood supply.
Importance: The length of this phase determines the potential maximum length of hair. This is also when new hair growth occurs, replacing hairs shed during the telogen phase.
Catagen Phase (Transition Stage)
strong>Duration: Lasts about 2 to 3 weeks
Characteristics: Hair growth slows dramatically as the hair follicle contracts and detaches from the dermal papilla.
Impact: This phase prepares the hair for the resting phase by transitioning the active hair into a dormant state. This is a critical phase for the follicle’s renewal process.
Telogen Phase (Resting Stage)
Duration: Lasts around 3 months
Characteristics: In this phase, hair growth stops entirely and the hair follicle rests. This phase culminates in shedding where the old hair falls out during brushing or washing.
Outcome: Approximately 10-15% of scalp hairs are in this phase at any time. This natural shedding is a vital part of the hair growth cycle, making way for new hair growth.
What Are The Factors Influencing Hair Growth Cycles?
There are a few factors that influence hair growth cycles:
Genetics: Genetics are the primary drivers of how individual hairs develop through their own natural hair growth cycle. They may influence not only the density but also the colour of one’s hair and the potential longevity of the anagen phase and overall hair growth rate.
Age: As people age, the rate at which their hair grows also decreases. Hair follicles may enter the resting (telogen phase) more frequently which can lead to thinner scalp hairs and less frequent hair shedding and replacement.
Nutrition: Adequate intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining robust hair growth.
Health Conditions: Various health conditions such as thyroid disorders can severely disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations are significant factors as pregnancy often leads to a prolonged anagen phase, resulting in thicker, more lustrous hair.
Stress: Stress-induced hair loss, medically known as telogen effluvium occurs when an increased number of hairs enter the telogen phase prematurely due to severe stress.
In both male and female pattern baldness, the anagen phase (growth stage) becomes shorter.
How Are the Hair Cycle and Pattern Baldness Connected?
In both male and female pattern baldness, the anagen phase (or growth stage) becomes shorter. This means that hair grows for a less extended period before entering the next stages.
This condition also involves a prolonged telogen phase (or resting stage) during which hair does not grow but prepares to shed. The elongated duration of this phase means that fewer follicles are active at any given time.
Impact
Due to the shortened anagen phase and extended telogen stage, the hair that does grow tends to be thinner and weaker, over time, the scalp becomes more visible through the thinning hair.
Individuals with pattern baldness might also experience phases of sudden diffuse hair fall, especially when hormonal changes or external factors exacerbate the condition.
Why Choose ICCM For Your Healthy Hair Growth?
Choosing ICCM in Sydney for expert guidance and treatment options is an essential step towards maintaining healthy hair.
Our clinic specialises in understanding the complexities of the hair growth phases and offers tailored solutions designed to address individual needs effectively.
The anagen phase is considered the most critical stage of hair growth because it determines not only the potential length but also the overall health of the hair. The phase is a fundamental part of the stages of growing hair out, during which the hair follicles are actively producing cells that form the hair shaft.
How can I tell which hair growth stage I am in?
Identifying the specific phases of hair growth can be difficult because the process is continuous, however, if you have noticed increased hair shedding, it typically indicates that many of your hairs have entered the telogen phase (the resting stage).
Can diet affect my hair growth stages?
Yes, diet plays a vital role in affecting the hair growth stages. Consuming a balanced diet enriched with essential vitamins and minerals can significantly support and enhance hair growth by nourishing the hair follicles and extending the duration of the anagen phase, leading to thicker and healthier hair.
The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
MBBS (Melb) FACCSM (Med) FCPCA / Cosmetic Doctor Dr Tony was the Inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery, and a former vice-president of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia. He is a regular presenter and teacher at international conferences, with invitations to meetings in Australia, China, New Zealand and South America.Read More
