The Hair Growth Cycle - The 3 Phases Explained
Table of contents
- Hair growth cycle in 3 phases
- The growth phase (anagen phase)
- The transition phase (catagen phase)
- The resting phase (telogen phase)
- If the hair cycle is disturbed, hair loss occurs
- Hair implantation if there is a menstrual disorder?
- Conclusion: A healthy body regulates the cycles of hair growth on its own
Hair growth cycle in 3 phases
As already mentioned, the hair cycle actually consists of three consecutive hair growth phases that your hair goes through. It grows during the growth phase, while during the transition phase it prepares for the subsequent resting and shedding phase. Each hair stays on your head for between three and seven years and then falls out.
Continuous hair loss is therefore completely normal and nothing to worry about. With healthy hair growth, you might not notice that you're losing up to 100 hairs a day. Hair loss only occurs when more hair falls out and the hair loss leaves visible marks on your scalp.
The growth phase (anagen phase)
When your hair grows normally, the majority of your hair is in this active growth phase. During this period, also known as the active phase, hair forms in the follicles and grows at a rate of 1-1.5 centimeters per month . The hair grows from the scalp and reaches the density and length defined by your genetic code.
Some experts say the growth phase lasts two to six years , while others say three to seven years. How long your hair stays in the anagen phase depends, to a large extent, on your genetic predisposition.
The transition phase (catagen phase)
At a certain point, your hair reaches its maximum length and the growth phase ends. A new cycle begins in which your hair prepares for the resting phase and cell growth ceases. The hair root no longer receives vital nutrients and begins to shrink.
At the same time, a relatively small portion of your hair is in the catagen phase, preparing for the shedding phase. Growth completely stagnates, and the follicles in the transition phase atrophy. This cycle lasts about two weeks .
The resting phase (telogen phase)
During the telogen phase, the follicles cease all metabolic activity. As a result, the hair is under-supplied and falls out. Your hair will remain in this phase for approximately three months, and between 8 and 14 percent of your hair is affected.
If the percentage of hair in the telogen phase is higher, increased hair loss occurs, which can even lead to baldness.
New hair growth forms in the hair matrix, pushing out the old hair and ultimately causing the hair loss. If your hair growth cycle is healthy , the follicles return to the growth phase and the process begins again, creating a recurring cycle.
If the hair cycle is disturbed, hair loss occurs
The three phases build on and are interdependent. Nature has designed the hair growth cycle to maintain a certain balance between hair growth and hair loss . However, if the phases are disrupted and shift, excessive hair loss occurs as a result.
Common disorders include a significant shortening of the growth phase or the problem that all three cycles are accelerated. In cases of genetic hair loss or hormonal hair loss, your metabolism becomes unbalanced, which has a detrimental effect on hair density and quality.
Through a microscopic examination, the dermatologist can determine which phase your hair is in and whether there is a disruption in the cycles .
Hair implantation if there is a menstrual disorder?
If the cause of hair loss is known, treating the underlying causes can often lead to a normalization of the hair growth cycle. There are some causes that trigger permanent hair loss and, despite treatment, do not lead to regrowth.
Completely atrophied follicles can no longer return to the growth phase, causing the affected areas of your head to become bald. Transplanting your own hair into the bald patches is one way to combat baldness and its effects .
Conclusion: A healthy body regulates the cycles of hair growth on its own
You can do a lot to maintain the health of your scalp and active hair follicles. A healthy diet, stress avoidance, and optimal hair care lay the foundation for a harmonious hair growth cycle .
Even if external influences, an illness or medication lead to temporarily increased hair loss, your body will in most cases regulate the imbalance on its own.
There are exceptions where you can align your cycles or reverse baldness with a hair transplant. Generally, if you notice visible hair loss, you should act early and consult your dermatologist.
Activating under-nourished follicles is possible, provided they are still present in your scalp. If the hair growth phase is shortened or the entire hair cycle is accelerated, diagnosis is essential for action.
