Hair growth is a complex, cyclical process that occurs in three main stages: the growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen). Understanding your hair’s growth stages can help you better appreciate how your hair grows, sheds and ultimately stays healthy. Let’s break down the science behind each phase and how external factors like genetics, hormones, and stress can impact your hair journey.
1. Anagen (The Growth Phase)
The anagen phase is where the magic happens! This is the active growth phase of the hair cycle, and it's when hair follicles are producing new strands underneath the surface. During this phase, hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, though it can vary from person to person.
- The anagen phase typically lasts between 2-7 years, depending on genetics and individual factors.
- Most of our hair is in this phase at any given time, actively growing and developing. The length of time your hair stays in the anagen phase directly influences how long your hair can grow.
2. Catagen (The Transition Phase)
After the growth phase, your hair enters the catagen phase, which is a short transitional period where hair growth slows and the follicle shrinks.
- This phase lasts about 2-3 weeks and marks the transition between growth and rest.
- The hair follicle begins to shrink, and hair production stops. Hair detaches from the blood supply, preparing for the resting phase.
3. Telogen (The Resting Phase)
The final phase in the hair growth cycle is the telogen phase. During this phase, hair growth stops completely, and the hair follicle enters a resting state.
- The telogen phase typically lasts for about 3 months. Once this phase ends, the old hair sheds, and a new hair strand starts to grow in its place.
- The old hair remains in the follicle until it’s pushed out by the new strand of hair beginning to grow. This is when you might notice shedding which is completely normal as part of the cycle.
The Cycle Continues
Hair goes through these three phases continuously, meaning that while some hair follicles are in the growth phase, others are resting or shedding. This natural cycle results in the consistent growth and shedding of hair, though individual factors can influence how long each phase lasts, and the overall health of your hair.
What Affects Hair Growth?
- Genetics: Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in how long your hair can grow and how quickly it sheds. Some people naturally have longer anagen phases, allowing them to grow longer hair.
- Hormones: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, menopause, or due to thyroid issues, can impact hair growth and shedding cycles. Certain conditions can shorten the anagen phase or prolong the telogen phase.
- Nutrition: A diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals, like biotin, vitamin D, and iron can impair the hair growth cycle, leading to slower growth or increased shedding.
- Stress: High levels of stress can disrupt the hair cycle, pushing more follicles into the telogen phase prematurely. This can lead to excessive shedding, often referred to as telogen effluvium.
Final Thoughts
Hair growth is a natural, ongoing process influenced by several internal and external factors. Understanding the different phases of hair growth helps you realize that shedding is normal and part of your hair's natural cycle. By nurturing your scalp, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet, you can help support your hair’s natural growth and health at every stage.
At Goldie Locks®, we believe in supporting your hair health from the inside out, with products designed to nourish your hair through each stage of the growth cycle. Whether you're looking to boost growth or maintain healthy strands, we're here to help you along your hair journey.
