4 stages of the Hair Growth: The Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, & Exogen
Our hair growth and its overall health do matter a lot to us but have we ever wondered about the actual process behind hair growth? Well, just like the changing seasons in a year our hair growth happens in four stages. The four stages of hair growth – Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen. These stages are the foundation of understanding how our hair grows.
In this blog post, we will explore all the stages and how they contribute to our hair's growth cycle. We will also talk about the role of a hair gummy in boosting our hair growth.
Anagen phase of Hair: Growing Phase
It can be called the most nascent stage that marks the beginning of hair growth. During this phase, our hair tends to grow about half an inch every month and can tentatively grow around 18-30 inches throughout the phase. Also, it’s a proven fact that the hair-growing cycle is faster in summers than in freezing cold winters.
What is the Anagen Phase?
During the hair growth stage, hair follicles produce new hair, and the hair shaft emerges from the scalp. It's like the period of blossoming for your hair. This is the stage where new hair follicles are generated and most people experience it when their hair starts to grow. During this period, the hair follicles are alive and divide their cells to give birth to new hair strands
Length of the Anagen phase
You’ll usually see active growth during this phase and it typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 years. Some people may have a longer Anagen phase of hair, allowing their hair to grow remarkably long, while others may have a shorter phase resulting in shorter hair growth.
Cellular activity during the Anagen phase
This phase commences with rapid division of cells in the hair bulb which are at the base of the hair follicle contributing to the formation of new hair strands.
Factors that affect the Anagen phase
A few of the factors that can influence the duration and quality of the Anagen phase are:
- Genetics- Hair growth patterns, including the length of the Anagen phase, are inherited from our parents which results in unbelievably long hair growth for some while slower hair growth in others.
- Stress- High stress levels disrupt our hair growth cycle and result in temporary hair shedding or a shortened Anagen phase.
- Health and Nutrition- Poor nutrition or underlying health conditions can lead to hair thinning and a shortened Anagen phase.
Catagen Phase: Transition Stage
The Catagen stage is one of the 4 stages of hair growth which is profoundly known as the transitional stage of the hair growth cycle. The phase is a transitional stage between Anagen and Telogen where the existing hair shafts start to shrink in size.
What is Catagen Phase?
During this phase, the hair follicle undergoes a period of regression and prepares for renewal. As the hair strand's growth halts, the hair follicle begins to shrink and detach from the scalp. In this phase, the hair shaft separates itself from the nourishing part in the follicles. This detachment leads to the discontinuation of hair growth during the Catagen phase of hair.
Length of the Catagen phase
This phase typically lasts about 2-3 weeks but can also last up to 2 months in some cases.
Cellular activity during the Catagen phase
During this phase, the hair follicle undergoes significant changes. The active cell division slows down, leading to a decreased production of new hair cells. The hair stops growing and gets detached from its blood supply nourishing it.
Factors that affect the Catagen phase
- Genetics: Just like the Anagen phase, genes play a significant role in determining the duration of the Catagen phase as well.
- Stress- Stress-related hair shedding may occur during the Catagen phase by disrupting the growth cycle and manifesting as temporary hair loss.
- Hormonal changes- These changes can impact the hair growth cycle, including the Catagen phase. Hormonal imbalances can lead to alterations in hair growth patterns.
Telogen phase of hair: Resting Stage
During the Telogen phase of hair, the hair follicles are in a state of rest. The lower part of the hair follicle remains inactive, and there is no active hair growth during this stage.
What is Telogen Phase?
Telogen is one of the longest stages of hair growth where hair falls out and is replaced by new follicles. There is no hair regeneration in this stage, instead, the existing hair remains as it is until they subsequently shed to make way for new hair growth in the next Anagen phase.
Length of the Telogen phase
The Telogen phase typically lasts for about 2 to 4 months on average, although the duration can vary among individuals based on genetics and other hair conditions as well.
Cellular activity during the Telogen phase
The hair shaft within the hair follicle goes through certain changes during the Telogen phase. This cellular activity is referred to as "club hair" since the hair shaft attains roundness and gets detached from the hair papilla, a structure that supplies nutrients to the hair.
Factors that affect the Telogen phase
- Stress- High stress can trigger a condition called Telogen effluvium, where more hair follicles enter the Telogen phase prematurely, leading to increased hair shedding.
- Hormonal imbalance- Hormonal changes can influence the hair growth cycle, including the duration of the Telogen phase of hair.
- Excessive heat styling – The use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair shedding during the Telogen phase.
Exogen Phase of hair: Shedding Stage
Exogen is the least active stage of hair growth where very few new hair grow and hair shedding forms the major part of this stage. If you’re experiencing unusual thinning and balding, chances are you’re in an Exogen phase.
What is the Exogen Phase?
The exogen phase is called the final stage of the hair growing cycle, wherein the follicles released from the hair strands fall out. This phase gives room for the whole process of hair products to start again.
Length of the Exogen phase
The Exogen Phase can usually last for 2-5 months wherein shedding 50-100 hair strands a day is a common consequence.
Cellular activity during the Exogen phase
This stage in the hair growth phases is referred to as that period when the club hair, formed during the Telogen phase, is actively shed from the scalp. Shedding of hair is a natural and ongoing process, and it is part of the hair growth cycle.
Factors that affect the Exogen phase
- Stress- Goes without saying that stress happens to disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding during the Exogen phase.
- Genes and Age- The length and duration of the Exogen phase are affected by genes and age. Hair shedding tends to increase with age, and the hair growth cycle may slow down.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and illnesses can influence the hair growth cycle and cause increased shedding during the Exogen phase.
Understand the hair growing cycle & its important factors
Genetic factors
Genes- Genetic factors have a strong role in determining hair growth patterns, including the length of the Anagen phase, hair thickness, and overall hair health.
Environmental factors
Environmental Factors- Exposure to pollution, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and extreme weather conditions can affect hair health and the hair growth cycle.
Lifestyle factors
Exercising regularly can promote better blood circulation to the scalp and the hair follicles, enhancing nutrient delivery and healthy hair growth. Practice stress management, meditate, and take adequate sleep to maintain a healthy hair-growing cycle. Always take a balanced diet enriched with ingredients that support hair follicle health and healthy hair production.
Boost Hair Growth with Hair Supplements
When thinking of a hair gummy that can streamline our hair-growing cycle with efficacy, the top supplements that pop up in mind are Biotin, Vitamin C, and Collagen supplements. These essential ingredients can pamper and nourish our hair like never before.
Some of the herbs to boost hair growth include Rosemary can improve blood circulation in the scalp and promote hair growth. Aloe Vera can soothe your scalp and build a healthy environment for hair growth. You can also include Green Tea in your diet for hair nurturing.
Apart from this, Biotin-rich food is the way to go forward and pamper your hair with enhanced health and growth. These biotin-packed foods are eggs, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds. Add them to your diet now!
Conclusion
Not everything is in our hands for altering our hair growth cycle but what certainly is adopting a disciplined lifestyle. It includes proper nutrition, stress management, gentle hair care practices, and including hair gummies for women in your diet.
By following this, you can derive a consistent hair growth cycle and enrich your hair with the vital nutrients it craves. You can purchase our combo pack of gummies which are not only cost-effective but will cater to your hair needs for a long time. You can also include multivitamin gummies, melatonin sleep gummies, and iron gummies for overall wellness.
Embrace the beauty of your hair and nurture it through each stage of the hair growth cycle with our skin gummies for you to achieve the luscious hair you desire.
FAQ
Are there any specific foods that can support hair growth in each stage?
Foods for hair growth include adequate protein in your diet in the form of poultry, fish, dairy products, legumes, and nuts that support the formation of new hair cells. Include Iron, Biotin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
How do biotin and keratin contribute to each stage of hair growth?
Understanding the difference between Biotin and Keratin:
Biotin when taken as a hair gummy promotes active cell proliferation in the hair follicles. It supports the overall health of the hair follicles and hair shafts. It prevents excessive breakage and assists in maintaining the structural integrity of the hair.
While Keratin continues to provide strength and protection to the hair during the Catagen Phase and keratin in the resting hair shafts maintains the hair's integrity during the Telogen phase.
What role does vitamin B5 play in the stages of hair growth?
Vitamin B5 for hair growth should be your new motto. This vitamin ensures that the hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients to carry out continuous hair production during its growth phase. It also maintains the structural integrity of the hair shaft and prevents hair breakage during this transitional phase. It prevents excessive hair shedding during the resting phase.
What factors can influence the duration of each stage of hair growth?
Some of the key factors hampering the duration of each stage of hair growth include- Genes, hormonal imbalance, high stress levels are sky high, improper hair care, poor nutrition and health, and extreme environmental factors.
Do natural herbs help promote hair growth?
Yes, certain natural herbs when used topically can promote hair growth and support overall hair health. Some of the best herbs for hair growth include- Rosemary, Lavender, Aloe Vera, Ginseng, Green Tea and Fenugreek.
