The Hair Growth Cycle: Understanding How Hair Grows

How can you distinguish between natural hair shedding and unusual hair loss? Understanding the hair growth cycle offers valuable insights. This cycle governs the growth of your hair and body hair through a specific pattern.

In this article, we’ll explore each stage of the cycle, explain the differences between hair and body hair, and highlight four key factors that can disrupt the cycle.

Summary

1. The Hair Growth Cycle: 3 Phases
2. Hair, Beards, Eyebrows: Different Growth Cycles
3. 4 Factors That Influence the Hair Growth Cycle
4. When the Cycle Goes Off Track

The Hair Growth Cycle: 3 Phases

The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. This process repeats 25 to 30 times throughout our lives. Let’s delve into each phase:

Anagen Phase

This is the growth phase, where the hair actively grows. It is the longest phase, lasting between 3 and 6 years.

Hair follicles, located beneath the scalp, produce keratinocytes—cells that form the hair shaft. These cells divide rapidly and die, stacking up to push older cells to the surface, creating the visible strand of hair.

Catagen Phase

Known as the transition phase, this stage lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Hair stops growing and begins detaching from its follicle. The root moves closer to the skin’s surface as the hair gradually ceases its activity.

Telogen Phase

The final phase, also called the resting phase, occurs when the hair follicle and cells are dormant. The hair stops growing but does not fall out immediately.

Hair shedding happens when a new strand begins its anagen phase, pushing out the old hair. This stage lasts around 2 to 3 months before the cycle restarts with new growth.

Hair, Beards, Eyebrows: Different Growth Cycles

Hair and body hair are composed of the same material, but their growth cycles differ based on their location. Here’s a comparison:

4 Factors That Influence the Hair Growth Cycle

Genetics

Some individuals inherit a predisposition to shorter and fewer cycles, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). Sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can accelerate the cycle, leading to premature hair loss.

Hormones

Oestrogens can extend the anagen phase, while androgens and thyroid hormones tend to shorten it, potentially affecting growth.

Nutrition

Your diet has a direct impact on hair quality. Proteins, zinc, iron, and B vitamins are essential nutrients for healthy growth.

Seasons

Environmental changes such as temperature, light, and humidity can influence hair shedding. Spring and autumn are typically when shedding is most noticeable.

When the Cycle Goes Off Track

The hair growth cycle naturally evolves with age. During childhood, the body produces more anagen phases, while after 50, the cycle tends to shorten.

Regular monitoring of your hair’s health can help identify unusual hair loss patterns early. For men, consulting a specialist can lead to timely intervention, whether through medication or advanced treatments like hair transplantation.

For women, hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can significantly affect hair growth and shedding.

If you’re concerned about hair loss or are considering a hair transplant in Turkey, contact our experts today for your free hair analysis.