Introduction to the Phases of Hair
Have you ever wondered why your hair grows, falls out, or just seems to stop growing altogether? It’s not magic—it’s science. The phases of hair describe a fascinating and natural cycle that every strand on your scalp goes through. Once you understand this cycle, you’ll start making smarter choices for stronger, fuller, and healthier hair.
Why Understanding Hair Growth Matters
If you’re dealing with hair fall, thinning, or stunted growth, knowing the phases of hair is your first step toward finding a solution. These phases control how long your hair grows, when it falls out, and how fast it regrows.
What the “Phases of Hair” Really Mean
Your hair is constantly moving through a biological cycle. The full phases of hair cycle include growth, rest, transition, and shedding—and yes, each phase serves a unique purpose in your hair’s life span.
The Hair Growth Cycle Explained
Hair doesn’t just grow continuously. Instead, it moves through a repeating pattern involving four main phases.
Overview of the 4 Main Phases
- Anagen Phase (Growth)
- Catagen Phase (Transition)
- Telogen Phase (Rest)
- Exogen Phase (Shedding)
Let’s break down each.
Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
This is the superstar stage. During the anagen phase, your hair is in its active growth period, emerging from the follicle and typically continuing to grow for anywhere from three to seven years. Interestingly, at any given moment, a significant majority—around 85% to 90%—of your hair is in this prolonged growth stage.
Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
This brief, 2-3 week phase signals the end of active growth. During the catagen phase, the hair follicle begins to shrink and disconnects from its blood supply. At any given time, only about 5% of your hair is in this transitional stage.
Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
Think of this as your hair taking a nap. The follicle stays dormant for about 3 months, holding the hair strand without growing it. Around 10-15% of your hair is in the telogen phase, which is its resting stage.
Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)
The final part of the cycle—shedding. During the exogen phase, the hair finally releases and falls out, making way for new growth. It’s completely normal to lose 50-100 hairs daily while they’re in this phase.
Duration of Each Hair Phase
Each person’s hair follows this timeline uniquely, but here’s an average idea:
- Anagen: 3–7 years
- Catagen: 2–3 weeks
- Telogen: 3 months
- Exogen: A few days to a few weeks
Factors That Influence Duration
Many things can speed up or delay these phases of hair—from your genetics and age to nutrition and hair care habits.
What Affects the Phases of Hair?
Genetics and Hormones
Your genes play a huge role in the length of your anagen phase. Hormonal shifts, like during pregnancy or menopause, can also alter the cycle.
Nutrition and Health
Low iron, vitamin D deficiency, or lack of protein can cut short your growth phase and push more hair into the shedding phase.
Stress and Lifestyle Choices
Chronic stress or sudden trauma can shock your system into telogen effluvium, forcing hair out of the growth phase prematurely.
Myths About Hair Growth Phases
Myth 1: Cutting Hair Makes It Grow Faster
Nope. Hair growth is controlled by the follicle, not the ends. Trimming helps prevent breakage, but doesn’t alter the phases of hair.
Myth 2: Hair Doesn't Grow at a Universal Speed
Different parts of your scalp can be in different phases of hair, so don’t expect uniform growth.
Common Hair Disorders Linked to Growth Phases
Telogen Effluvium
Stress or illness pushes too much hair into the telogen phase, causing increased shedding.
Anagen Effluvium
This condition leads to abrupt hair loss during the anagen phase, often due to chemotherapy or radiation.
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune issue where the body attacks follicles, disrupting all phases of hair and causing patchy loss.
How to Support Healthy Hair Through Every Phase
Diet and Supplements
To best support your hair’s active growth (the anagen phase), focus on a diet rich in biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3s. Eating a balanced diet is key, and you might consider supplements if your dietary intake of these nutrients is insufficient.
Scalp Care and Gentle Styling
Avoid heat tools, tight hairstyles, and harsh chemicals. A happy scalp = longer phases of hair growth.
Products That Support Hair Cycle
Look for ingredients like caffeine, rosemary oil, and peptides that support healthy follicles through each hair phase.
Signs of Disrupted Hair Growth Phases
Sudden Shedding
If you’re noticing an unusual amount of hair coming out in clumps in the shower or on your brush, it could indicate that your telogen (resting) phase is in overdrive, leading to increased shedding.
Thinning or Bald Patches
Uneven patches may indicate problems in the anagen or catagen phase
Slowed Regrowth
Hair taking forever to grow back? Your anagen phase might be shortened.
When to See a Specialist
If you experience shedding for longer than six weeks, or if you start noticing bald spots or inflammation, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist or trichologist.
Conclusion
Knowing about your hair’s growth phases helps you give it the care it truly needs. From growth to shedding, every phase plays a role in your hair’s journey. By learning how to support each stage naturally, you can enjoy stronger, healthier, and more beautiful hair.
Add Your Heading Text Here
There are four: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (rest), and exogen (shedding).
While you can't force it, you can support it with good nutrition, supplements, and scalp care.
You may be experiencing telogen effluvium, often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
Yes! Losing 50–100 hairs daily during the exogen phase is completely normal.
Absolutely. As we age, the anagen phase shortens, and more hair shifts to the resting and shedding phases.