Hair growth cycle
ANAGEN PHASE - The active growth phase
During this phase hair cells rapidly multiply to produce new hair from the follicle. On an average, over 80% of all hair is in the Anagen phase at any one time. This growth phase can vary from 2 to 6 years depending on the individual and sex. The length of this phase will determine how long the hair will grow.
CATAGEN PHASE - The transitional phase
By the end of the Anagen phase, hair enters an intermediate phase where the hair stops growing and the base of the follicle moves upwards towards the scalp. Lasting for about 2 to 4 weeks, during this phase the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of its normal length.
TELOGEN PHASE - The resting phase
Lasting about 5-6 weeks, this is the phase when older hair is shed and new hair begins to grow. A new hair gradually grows towards the surface and the old hair is naturally shed in the process. At any given time over 10-15% of an individual's hair is in the shedding phase. By the end of the telogen phase, hair emerges from the same opening and a new growth cycle or the anagen phase begins all over again.
