The Hair Growth Cycle

Hair grows from the follicle, or root, underneath the skin. The hair is ‘fed’ by blood vessels at the base of the follicle, which give it the nourishment it needs to grow. Between starting to grow and falling out years later, each hair passes through four stages: anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen. Every hair is at a different stage of the growth cycle.

Over time, the length of the anagen stage decreases. Therefore, the hair may become weaker and thinner after each cycle. That’s why it’s important to ensure your diet is rich in specific nutrients to maintain normal, healthy hair growth.

1. Anagen (Growing Phase)

The growing phase lasts two to seven years and determines the length of our hair.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase)

The resting phase lasts around three months. Around 10-15% of hairs are in this phase. Whilst the old hair is resting, a new hair begins the growth phase.

2. Catagen (Regression Phase)

This stage lasts about ten days. The hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla.
4. Exogen (Shedding Phase)

The Exogen represents the period from when a resting hair reaches its terminal position in the follicle to when it finally detaches. The resting hair is gradually loosened resulting in shedding of the hair.

If hairs enter the resting phase too early, excess shedding and noticeable thinning can occur.