The length of a hair cycle, also known as the hair growth cycle, varies depending on the location of the hair on the body. For scalp hair, the average growth phase, known as the anagen phase, lasts between two and six years. During this time, hair can grow to lengths of 18 to 30 inches. In contrast, the anagen phase for thigh hair lasts only about two months.
The hair cycle consists of three phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the longest phase, during which the hair follicle actively produces new hair cells, causing the hair to grow.
- Catagen (Transition Phase): This phase is short, lasting about 2-3 weeks, during which the hair follicle begins to shut down and stops producing hair.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): This phase lasts about 100 days, during which the hair remains in the follicle but does not grow. Eventually, the hair will shed and the cycle will begin again.
It's important to note that these are just averages, and individual hair growth cycles can vary significantly. Factors such as genetics, age, health, and diet can all affect the length of each phase.
