Understanding hair growth phases helps in knowing the fact that why hair does not keep on growing continuously at the same rate and why some amount of hair shedding is considered as normal. Every hair follicle follows its own growth cycle and that is why a number of hairs can be growing, resting or shedding at the same time.
The Hair Growth Phases
By understanding the phases of hair growth, one can make an informed decision while differentiating between normal hair shedding and hair fall. The hair growth phases are divided between anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen phases.
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Anagen: The Active Growth Phase
Anagen is the growth phase of scalp hair is the longest one. During this phase, cells in the follicle divide actively and produce the hair strand. The anagen phase may last for several years, during which the hair strand keeps growing and gains substantial length. The duration of anagen phase may vary between individuals and is often influenced by genetics and age.
Catagen: The Transition Phase
Catagen is a short transitional phase of about 2-3 weeks during which the hair’s growth slows down as the hair follicle shrinks and the hair strand begins to detach from its blood supply. Usually a small percentage of scalp hairs are in this phase at any given time.
Telogen: The Resting Phase
The telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle that may last for about 2 to 3 months, during which, the dead hair remains anchored to the follicle while new hair starts growing below it. Sometimes factors like stress, illness and nutritional deficiencies may increase the period of telogen phase and the number of hair strands that remain in this period. This condition is termed as Telogen Effluvium and may need medical attention.
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Exogen: The Shedding Phase
The exogen phase is the last phase of hair growth cycle in which the dead hair strand detaches from the follicle and naturally shed. Therefore, shedding few hundred hair strands in a day can be normal and increase in shedding does not necessarily mean that follicles have permanently stopped producing hair.
Because each follicle functions independently, that is why they do not shed and replace all the hair on the scalp simultaneously, which maintains hair density.
The Structure of a Hair Strand
A hair fibre has three main layers. The outermost layer is the cuticle, which is made of tough, flattened and overlapping cells of keratin and cystine, which form a shield for protecting the inner structures of hair. The cortex is the middle layer made of keratin fibres and is responsible for much of hair’s strength, elasticity and colour while the medulla is the innermost layer of the hair strand. It is interesting to note that hair strand is made of dead cells and has no control on hair growth cycle. In fact, it is the hair follicle, from which the hair shaft emerges, actually controls the entire growth cycle.
Effect of Hair Products on Hair Cycle
Hair products can influence the hair growth cycle, but their effects depend on their ingredients, formulations, scalp condition and the underlying cause of hair loss. Hair products can improve scalp condition to rejuvenate follicles, reduce breakage by protecting the hair shaft and make existing hair look fuller with active ingredients like Caffeine, Redensyl®, Anagain®, Baicapil®, Vitamin K and Panthenol.
Why Scalp Health Matters
A healthy scalp is necessary for the follicles to function normally and can be maintained with everyday hair care like gentle cleansing, appropriate conditioning and avoiding excessive chemical treatment. However, certain conditions like androgenetic alopecia, follicular inflammation, persistent itching or untreated scalp conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis can contribute to increased shedding or hair breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Are the Four Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle?
The four phases of the hair growth cycle are the anagen phase, catagen phase, telogen phase and exogen phase. Anagen is active growth, catagen is transition, telogen is resting and exogen refers to shedding.
2. Can Hair Growth Products Improve the Hair Growth Cycle?
Yes, clinically proven Trigaine Advance Hair Growth Serum contains ingredients like Caffeine, Redensyl®, Anagain®, Baicapil®, Vitamin K, and panthenol, which are known to increase follicular activity, strengthen hair strands, and extend the active growth (anagen) phase to increase hair density.
3. How Does Scalp Health Influence the Hair Cycle?
A healthy scalp is necessary for normal follicular function and hair growth.
4. What Is the Longest Phase of the Hair Growth Cycle?
Anagen, the active growth phase, is normally the longest phase, which can continue for several years in scalp hair.
5. What Is the Best Way to Maintain Healthy Hair Growth?
Healthy hair growth can be maintained with regular cleansing of the scalp with caffeine shampoo, proper scalp care, adequate intake of protein, hydration, minimising excessive heat and chemical treatments and managing the underlying cause of hair fall.
