The Hair Growth Cycle

The Hair Growth Cycle

There are basically 3 phases that each hair follicle once in 3-5 years on average. This is a normal process just like any other process in the body. These 3 phases are known as

• Anagen
• Catagen
• Telogen

The Anagen Phase

This is the first phase of the hair growth cycle which is also known as the growing phase. At any given time, about 90% of the hair follicles on the scalp are in this phase. During this period

The hair grows continuously for 3-5 years (in some cases it can be even 8 years). Grows at the rate of half an inch ( 1cm) per month The hair bulb produces hair pigment unless the hair is gray Blood supply provides nutrients vitamins and minerals to the follicles The hair looks thick and nourished

The Catagen Phase

After the Anagen phase, the hair will turn into a transitional phase before going to rest. This short phase is known as the Catagen phase which last few weeks. During this period

The hair’s root is detaches from the follicle’s blood supply The follicle is slowly shrink to about 1/6 its size The hair bulb stops producing pigment The bulb will be pushed upwards towards the surface when the new hair grows below Approximately 2 - 3 % of your hair is in this phase right now

The Telogen Phase

This is the final phase of your hair growth cycle. It is also known as the resting phase where your hair fall off or shed. When it’s over, the Anagen phase begins and new hair grows.

Around 8%- 10% of the hair in the scalp is in Telogen phase 50 - 100 hairs from this phase shed daily This period lasts 3 months on average before new hair grows The hair is held only by the skin and you can easily pull it out

Baldness and Hair Growth Cycle

You lose up to 100 a day, so don’t panic is you see hair falling. It is part of the Telogen phase and is normal. In any given time about 10% of our hair is not growing – it’s resting and this process happens all over the scalp equally.

The problem of hair loss begins when the resting period takes too long, or when more then 10% of the hair is in the resting phase. In such cases people notice an increased shedding and thinning hair.

The idea of most baldness cures is to decrease the resting phase and stimulate the follicles to “wake up”. DHT is actually forcing the follicles to move to the resting phase, shrink and stop producing hair. the DHT “kills” the follicles slowly and the resting phase becomes permanent (permanent damage to the follicles that can’t create hair normally anymore).

The damage in the early stages is thinning weaker hair, as the follicles are damaged and hair quality deteriorates. If caught early, the damage is still reversible, otherwise the hair will grow thinner and slower, shed more often until bald areas are emerged.

If you notice shedding and thinning hair, or receding hairline – don’t wait, harry to visit your doctor.