Hair Growth Stages
Understanding the way in which your hair grows is beneficial for achieving fuller, thicker and healthier hair. There are four stages of hair growth.
Anagen (Growing phase) – This is the growth phase. Hair follicles push out hair and actively grow from the roots for an average of 2 to 7 years and determines the length of hair before the hair reaches the end of its lifespan. During this phase your hair can grow between 45 - 76 cm. This is the longest phase. Approximately 90 percent of your hair on your head is at this stage. The maximum length varies, due to genetics, health and many other circumstances.
Catagen (Transition phase) - This stage lasts about 10 days and starts when the anagen phase ends. The hair follicle shrinks, hair growth slows down and detaches from blood supply.
Telogen (Resting Phase) - The resting phase lasts around three months. Around 10 - 15 percent of scalp hairs are in this phase. Whilst the old hair is resting, new hair begins to grow.
Exogen (Shedding Phase) – This can be considered as the extension of the Telogen phase where the old hair sheds and a new hair continues to grow. This phase could last up to 3 to 5 months. Hair is shed from the scalp and during brushing and washing your hair a daily loss of approximately 50 to 150 hairs can occur. This is considered to be normal.
To maintain and have a healthy and fuller head of hair the best possible solution is for hair to stay in the Anagen phase for long as possible, this also depends on various other factors like genetics, hormones, your stress levels, keeping a healthy lifestyle and a good hair care routine.
Always contact a medical professional if you feel you are experiencing hair loss at a rapid pace.
Images sourched from vedix.com and healthline.com