The hair cycle, also known as the hair growth cycle, consists of three distinct phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). The length of the hair cycle varies depending on factors like genetics, age, and health.
- Anagen: This is the active growth phase, lasting an average of 3 to 5 years for scalp hair. During this time, the hair follicle continuously produces new hair cells, causing the hair strand to grow longer. Some people, especially those of Asian descent, may experience an anagen phase lasting up to 7 years.
- Catagen: This is a short transitional phase that lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle begins to shrink and the hair growth slows down.
- Telogen: This is the resting phase, lasting about 100 days. During this phase, the hair follicle is inactive, and the hair strand detaches from the follicle and sheds.
The hair cycle is a continuous process, meaning that new hair follicles are always entering the anagen phase while others are in the catagen or telogen phase. This ensures that there is a constant supply of new hair growth to replace the hair that is shed.
