The four stages of hair growth are anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Each phase has its own timeline, which can be affected by age, genetics, and health conditions.
- Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the longest and most active phase of the hair growth cycle, lasting an average of 2 to 7 years. During this phase, hair follicles produce new hair cells, causing the hair shaft to grow longer.
- Catagen (Regression Phase): This is a short transitional phase, lasting about 2 to 3 weeks. During this phase, hair growth slows down and the hair follicle shrinks.
- Telogen (Resting Phase): This phase lasts about 3 to 4 months, and the hair follicle is inactive. The hair shaft is not growing, and it eventually sheds.
- Exogen (Shedding Phase): This is the final phase, where the old hair shaft detaches from the follicle and sheds.
These phases continue in a continuous cycle, with each hair follicle undergoing ten to thirty cycles in a lifetime.
