Human hair develops through a four-part growth cycle. The four phases feature hair in varying lengths and strengths, with each hair strand independently experiencing different stages of growth. As such, the natural hair growth cycle gradually replenishes your hair without shedding all strands at once.
Anagen Phase
The anagen phase lasts an average of three to five years and features active hair growth. Specifically, your hair cells will multiply rapidly during the anagen phase, resulting in strands growing at around half an inch per month. Based on the anagen time frame, the average total length of adult hair reaches roughly 18 to 25 inches.
Catagen Phase
Next, your hair enters a transitional anagen phase that lasts for approximately 10 days. During this time, the body cuts off the blood supply between hair strands and cells, signaling the end of active hair growth.
Telogen Phase
Shortly after the catagen transition, your hair enters the telogen phase, a period of about 100 days where follicles are at rest and no longer growing. Roughly 10-15% of an average adult’s hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.
Exogen Phase
The final phase of hair growth is called the exogen phase, where strands fall out from follicles to make way for the restart of the cycle. Hair in the exogen stage falls easily as a result of the process. The exogen stage lasts for two to five months before the anagen phase starts all over again.
Disruptions to Hair Growth Cycle
Multiple factors may disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss symptoms. Some common causes include malnutrition, genetics, the adverse reactions of medication, and illness/diseases. For example, hair loss issues may result from shortened anagen phases, where strands lack time to develop into the desired length.
Specific causes of growth cycle disruption include:
Chemotherapy Reactions – The powerful radiation techniques of chemotherapy treatments often lead to the breakage of anagen strands from hair shafts, causing acute hair loss.
Dietary Deficiencies – Individuals who lack iron and protein (both building blocks of healthy hair) may experience telogen effluvium. The condition results in hair strands stuck in the telogen phase, which delays active hair growth cycles.
Male Pattern Baldness (androgenetic alopecia) – A genetic condition that gradually shortens anagen phases, affecting up to half of all men by age 50.
While hair loss is a vexing problem that might lower self-esteem, the good news is that it is a highly treatable process. By seeking assistance from a hair care specialist and identifying the most suitable treatment methods, you can regain a head full of healthy hair in no time!
If you’re struggling with hair loss, contact Genesis II today and click here.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482293/
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