Hair growth happens in cycles, and understanding these is key to maintaining healthy hair and planning effective treatments. There are four main phases:
- Anagen (Growth): Active growth lasting 2-7 years; hair grows 1-2 cm/month.
- Catagen (Transition): A short 1-2 week phase where growth stops.
- Telogen (Rest): Lasts 3-4 months; about 10-15% of hair is in this phase at any time.
- Exogen (Shedding): Old hair falls out, making way for new growth.
Factors like hormones, genetics, nutrition, and stress affect these phases. For best results, align hair care and treatments with the growth cycle. For instance, use strengthening treatments during anagen and handle hair gently during telogen. Tools like professional-grade shears can also minimize damage and promote healthy growth.
Understanding The Hair Growth Cycle
The 4 Phases of Hair Growth
Hair growth follows four distinct phases - Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen - that impact hair health and the timing of treatments.
1. Anagen: Active Growth
The anagen phase is when hair grows actively, lasting 3-5 years for most people and up to 7 years for some, especially those with Asian hair. During this time, hair grows around 1-2 cm per month as follicles produce new cells. A steady blood supply delivers nutrients to the follicles, making this phase perfect for strengthening treatments. How long this phase lasts depends on factors like genetics and hormones, particularly androgens.
2. Catagen: Growth Shutdown
The catagen phase is a short, transitional stage that lasts about 1-2 weeks. During this period, the hair follicle detaches from its blood supply and the dermal papilla, signaling the end of active growth. Since hair becomes more fragile in this phase, it's important to handle it gently. After catagen, the hair moves into its resting stage.
3. Telogen: Rest Period
The telogen phase, lasting 3-4 months, is when hair follicles rest while preparing for the next growth cycle. Around 10% of your hair is in this phase at any given time. During telogen, the old hair stays in place until new growth begins underneath.
| Phase Characteristic | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 months |
| Percentage of Hair | 10% |
| Daily Hair Loss | 50-100 strands |
4. Exogen: Hair Shedding
The exogen phase marks the shedding of old hair to make room for new growth. This phase can last a few weeks to a couple of months, with normal hair loss ranging from 50-100 strands per day. However, losing more than this could point to a deeper issue that might need attention.
What Affects Hair Growth
Understanding the factors that influence hair growth helps you care for your hair at every stage of its cycle. These elements determine how hair grows and stays healthy over time.
Hormones and Genes
Hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) have a unique effect on hair follicles. While they encourage growth for facial and body hair, sensitivity to DHT can lead to hair loss on the scalp. This is why hair retention differs so much from person to person. Alongside genetics, daily habits and external surroundings also play a role in hair growth.
Daily Habits and Environment
Your lifestyle choices can directly impact your hair's growth cycle. Nutrients play a key role in maintaining healthy hair:
| Nutrient Type | Role in Hair Growth | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | Builds keratin structure | Eggs, fish, lean meats |
| Iron | Supports follicle health | Leafy greens, red meat |
| Vitamin D | Activates follicle growth | Sunlight, fortified foods |
Stress can push more hair into the shedding (telogen) phase, often causing noticeable hair loss weeks after a stressful event. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the scalp, cutting off vital nutrients and weakening hair.
Styling Tools and Hair Health
External tools and styling habits can also impact hair health. Frequent use of high-heat tools can damage keratin, making hair weaker and more prone to breakage.
Using professional-grade tools, like Shihan Shears, can help. These shears create clean cuts that reduce split ends and prevent further damage, keeping hair stronger as it grows. During the telogen phase, when hair is most fragile, it’s especially important to handle it with care to avoid unnecessary loss or damage.
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Tips for Hair Professionals
For better results and happier clients, align your treatments with the natural hair growth phases. By understanding these stages, you can time your services more effectively and select the best tools for the job.
Timing Services with Growth Cycles
Plan your services around the hair growth cycle for optimal outcomes. For instance, the anagen phase is perfect for regular cuts and color treatments. Here's a quick guide to help you schedule:
| Service Type | Best Timing | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Cuts | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the shape intact during rapid growth |
| Color Treatments | Early–mid anagen | Improves color absorption and durability |
| Thinning Services | Catagen | Reduces damage as growth slows |
During the telogen phase, stick to gentler treatments and avoid anything harsh. This approach ensures services are tailored to the hair's natural rhythm.
Choosing Professional Tools
The right tools make all the difference. Keep your shears sharp for clean cuts and to prevent split ends. Professional-grade options like Shihan Shears deliver precision and reduce strain on your hands.
Look for tools with these qualities:
- Sharp Blades: Clean cuts without pulling or damaging strands.
- Balanced Weight: Better control for precise movements.
- Ergonomic Handles: Stability for detailed work.
- Durable Materials: Resists dulling, ensuring long-term performance.
Regularly maintain and replace your tools as needed. This ensures they perform at their best, helping you deliver top-notch results for every client.
Summary
Main Points
Understanding the hair growth cycle is essential for both professionals and clients. Human hair goes through four distinct phases, each contributing to overall hair health. The anagen phase is when hair is at its strongest and most responsive to treatments.
The catagen phase marks the end of active growth and is relatively short. During the telogen phase, which lasts 3-4 months, about 10-15% of hairs are in a resting state. Finally, the exogen phase involves natural shedding.
Losing 50-100 strands daily is normal and helps maintain healthy hair density. These details offer a foundation for effective hair care and professional practices.
Professional Best Practices
By understanding the hair growth cycle, professionals can tailor their services for better results. Aligning treatments with each phase ensures healthier outcomes:
| Phase | Key Considerations | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Anagen | Hair is most receptive | Perform major services like coloring |
| Catagen | Transition period | Limit chemical treatments |
| Telogen | Increased shedding risk | Focus on gentle care |
| Exogen | Natural shedding occurs | Offer strengthening treatments |
Professionals should focus on:
- Timing treatments to match the growth phase
- Using precise cutting techniques
- Educating clients about their hair's current phase
- Suggesting at-home care suited to the phase
Using top-tier tools like Shihan Shears enhances precision and minimizes damage, supporting healthy hair growth through all stages.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions from both stylists and clients about hair growth phases.
How can you tell if your hair is in the resting phase?
During the telogen phase (also called the resting phase), hair stops growing. This phase usually lasts about 3–4 months and involves 10–15% of your hair at any given time. During this period, the hair remains in the follicle but doesn’t grow until the next cycle begins.
How long does the anagen phase last?
The anagen phase, or the active growth phase, typically lasts between 2 to 5 years. In some cases, it can extend up to 7 years, especially for individuals with Asian hair, who often experience longer growth cycles.
For more details on how to match treatments with specific growth phases, check earlier sections.