What to Know About the Phases of Hair Growth

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Are you wondering about the phases of hair growth and what to expect at each stage? You’re not alone! Hair growth is a common source of confusion for many people. Everyone’s hair growth is affected by their genetics and lifestyle, so the length and timing of each stage of hair growth can vary from person to person. Keep reading to learn more about what typically happens during the three phases of hair growth and how you can get the best results.

What are the Three Phases of Hair Growth?  

Hair growth occurs in three distinct phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. In combination, they create a cycle that repeats itself over and over throughout the course of an individual’s life. Understanding the stages of hair growth can help you maximize the health of your hair.

Anagen Phase

The anagen phase is the active phase of hair growth. During this time, the cells in the hair follicle multiply quickly which causes the hair to grow. On average, this phase can last from two to six years. How long it lasts depends on the individual and their hair type, with some people’s anagen phase lasting as little as several weeks and others’ lasting several years. People who have a longer anagen phase tend to have longer hair. On average, people can grow about 1 centimeter (cm) of hair per month during this stage.

Catagen Phase

The catagen phase is the transitional period in the cycle of hair growth. During this stage, the hair strand detaches itself from the blood supply and the cells in the follicle begin to break down. This period typically lasts between two and three weeks during which the hair appears unchanged while the body prepares to enter the next stage.

Telogen Phase

The telogen phase, which is also known as the resting phase, follows the catagen stage. During this phase, between ten and fifteen percent of a person’s hair is resting. It usually lasts for about one hundred days.

During the telogen phase, follicles don’t produce any more hair, allowing the remaining hairs to rest before shedding and the growth cycle begins all over again.

How Can I Improve my Hair’s Growth Cycle?  

Although everyone’s hair growth cycle is unique, there are steps you can take to promote healthy hair growth and minimize the duration of each stage. Here are some tips to help:

Eat a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet is essential for overall health, including healthy hair growth. Aim to include nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of protein.

Exercise Regularly

Regular activity has a myriad of benefits for the body, including helping to reduce stress and encouraging healthy hair growth.

Consume Biotin and Proper Supplements

Biotin is a vitamin supplement proven to help support healthy hair growth and strength. Taking a good multivitamin can also help ensure that you’re getting the proper vitamins and minerals needed for healthy hair growth.

Reduce Stress

Stress has been linked to an increased rate of hair breakage and thinning, which can slow down overall hair growth. So, it’s important to reduce stress levels to encourage healthy hair growth.

Limit Chemical Treatments and Heat Styling

Chemical treatments and heat tools can cause damage to hair, which can slow down its growth. If you must use styling tools, make sure to use a heat protectant product to help reduce any potential damage.

Get Regular Haircuts

Getting regular trims can actually help to promote healthy hair growth. Trimming away split ends and unhealthy hair can reduce the amount of hair that breaks, ultimately helping to speed up new hair growth.

Every person’s hair growth cycle is unique, but understanding the three phases of the cycle can help you improve your own hair’s health and growth. In general, the anagen phase is the active phase of hair growth, lasting for two to six years. It’s followed by the catagen phase, which is a transitional period, and the telogen phase, where hair rests. Making simple lifestyle changes like reducing stress, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding excessive chemical treatments and heat-styling can help improve your hair’s health and cycle of growth.

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