The Three Stages of Hair Growth

Did you know that each strand of hair goes through three stages of hair growth over the course of its life? Let me explain…

The Three Stages of Hair Growth:

Anagen is the active growth phase. Hair grows from the root, inside the hair follicle, with rapid cell division. During this phase, your hair will grow about 1 cm every 28 days. The hair on your head typically stays in anagen for 2-6 years (and the time your hair stays in the anagen phase is determined by genetics). The longer your hair stays in anagen, the longer your hair will grow. This is why some people’s hair will not grow past a certain length. I’d hate to break it to you, but there is nothing you can do to combat genetics. Last, but not least, about 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.

Catagen is the brief cycle between the anagen phase and the telogen phase. It signals the end of active hair growth and forms a “club hair,” which cuts off the hair strand from the blood supply and cells that produce new hair. This phase typically takes about 2-3 weeks and about 1-2% of your hair is in the catagen phase at any given time.

Telogen is the third and final stage of hair growth. In this phase, the “club hair” is shed from the scalp. Between 50-100 “club hairs” are shed daily on the typical scalp. This phase typically takes about 3 months and 10-14% of hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.

Now you know…