The Hair Growth Cycle
There are basically 3 cycles that each hair follicle has to go through around 20 times in your life. Imagine it as a never ending process until it dies to produce your crown of glory. These 3 phases are known as
Let' s get in depth with each of the hair phase.
The ANAGEN Phase
This is the first phase of your hair growth cycle which is also known as the growing phase. At any one time, 80 - 90 percent of your hair follicles on your scalp are in the ANAGEN phase. During this period
- Your hair grows continuously
- The growing will continue for 3 to 7 years
- Grows at the rate of half an inch a month
- The hair bulb produces your hair pigment
- Blood supply provides nutrients and minerals to your hair
- Looks thick and nourished
The CATAGEN Phase
After the ANAGEN phase, your hair will turn into a transitional phase before going to rest. This short phase is known as the CATAGEN phase which last for 2 to 4 weeks. During this time,
- Your hair detaches from the blood supply
- The detached follicle will slowly shrink to about 1/6 its size
- The hair bulb stops producing the color pigment
- The bulb will be pushed upwards towards the surface when the new hair is formed
- Approximately 2 - 3 % of your hair will be in this phase in your scalp
The TELOGEN Phase
This is the final phase of your hair growth cycle. It is also known as the resting phase where your hair follicles will slowly fall off and replaced by a new hair.
- Around 10 - 15 % of the hair in your scalp will be in TELOGEN phase
- 50 - 100 hairs from this phase will shed daily
- This period lasts for 3 months before the hair falls out
- The hair follicles become weak and thin and you can easily pull them out - new hair follicle will emerge once the hair the hair falls.