Your hair growth follows a cycle and understanding it can support you in taking better care of your hair. Knowing your hair’s natural cycle provides you with the skills you need for getting lush, beautiful hair. Depending on the phase your hair is in, you can use those skills to combat hair loss. With this in mind, there are four main hair growth phases; Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen.
The first three phases – angen, catagen and telogen – cover the development and growth of your hair. This is when the hair follicles produce individual hairs. During the final cycle, exogen, the old hair sheds usually getting ready for new hair to grow. Each phase is affected by age, nutrition and overall health. With that being said, you can take steps along the way to aide the hair growth process.
1. Anagen: Growing Phase
The first phase is the anagen phase. It’s the longest phase, lasting about 3 to 5 years. However, some people could be in this phase for 7 or more years. During this phase, the hair follicle starts creating hair layer after hair layer, from tip to bottom and from inside out. This is when your hair actually grows. Your hair follicles push out the hairs that will continue to grow until they are cut or it reaches the end of their lifespan and fall out.
2. Catagen: Transition Phase
The catagen phase is when your hair follicles shrink and the hair growth slows. It tends to last about for about 2 to 3 weeks. About 3% of all your hair is in this phase at any time. While in this phase, your hair reaches its maximum length and begins to separate from the bottom of the hair follicle. However, hair remains in place during its final growing days.
3. Telogen: Resting Phase
The telogen phase is when your hair follicles is getting ready for more hair. A signal is sent out to start building new hair. The phase usually lasts about 3 months. During this phase, the hair does not grow since new hairs begin to form in the follicles that was released in the catagen phase. Although has sheds during this phase, scientists have divided shedding into another phase, exogen.
4. Exogen: Shedding Phase
The final phase of the hair growth cycle is the exogen phase. During this phase, hair is shed from the scalp often helped by washing and brushing. Don’t worry, this is natural. You can shed 50 to 100 hair are shed every day usually unnoticeable. The hair that is shed is replaced by new hair growing in the follicles. Then the cycle returns to the anagen phase.
How to Maintain Healthy Hair During The Hair Growth Cycle
Coupled with proper hair care, you can use the knowledge above for healthy, fuller hair. While some factors such as genetics and hormone levels are out of your control, some of the best strategies you can use are:
1. Good Nutrition
Healthy hair begins with what you eat. Since your hair mostly made of protein, be sure you’re getting enough protein. Foods such as lean meats, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products can aide the hair growth cycle. Studies have also shown that vitamin D, vitamin C, iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 can aide hair growth.
2. Reduce Stress
High levels of stress can hinder hair growth and cause hair loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can cause telogen effluvium, trichotillomania and alopecia areata. Learn techniques to de-stress such as yoga, meditation and breathing techniques.
3. Proper Hair Care
This may seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how we neglect our hair. Start with the right shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type. Avoid hot water when washing your hair and turn down the head when drying. Use products specifically for the needs and demands of your hair. If you curl your hair or use a flat iron often, use a thermal protectant. These little steps can help you make the most of whichever phase your hair is in.
