Nature always seem to move in cycles, so it’s not surprising that the human body has a regular hair growth cycle. Understanding how this cycle operates can help you cope with a period of hair loss.
The Anogen Phase: Here Comes the New Hair
The phase in which your hair actually grows is called the anogen phase. Protein cells in the root, nourished by the scalp’s blood supply, build up into a hair. Oddly enough, by the time you actually see the hair, it has already died — but that doesn’t stop it from continuing to grow about 6 inches per year for up to 7 years.
The Catagen Phase: A Period of Transition
When a strand of hair stops growing, it is said to have entered the catagen phase. During this phase, which only lasts about 10 days, the root shrivels up and breaks free of the skin holding it in place. The hair can now fall out to make way for its eventual replacement.
The Telogen Phase: Hair Follicle Hibernation
A hair follicle doesn’t replace a lost hair immediately — it first goes through a dormant phase known as telogen. After about 3 months of inactivity, the telogen phase is followed by a fresh anogen phase, with a new root forming and a new strand of hair sprouting from the root.
The Exogen Phase: Shedding
Out with the old, in with the new. In the exogen phase, the dormant hair falls out while the new hair starts to grow in its place.
A variety of issues can interfere with the hair growth cycle. Chemotherapy, for instance, kills the hair follicles, forcing you to wait for months until new hairs grow. Postpartum hair loss is actually caused by a hormone imbalance that delay normal shedding of hairs, which then fall out once that balance is restored.
Once you understand how your hair growth cycle is being compromised, you can take action to normalize your health and your hair growth. In the meantime, contact Genesis II to learn how we can help! To schedule a free consultation call us at (315) 458-1074 or to contact us via email click here.
Photo Credit: StockSnap Via Pixabay
