Cycles of Hair Growth
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Hair Growth
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Most people think that hair growth is one long, continuous process. However, this is simply not true. Rather, your hair goes through stages of growth and rest. In fact, at any given time, approximately 15 percent of the hair follicles on your head are not growing. If you are concerned about hair loss, or excessive hair growth, then understanding the cycles of hair growth is a good place to start.
Anagen Phase
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The anagen phase is the growth phase. The vast majority of your hair follicles will be in this phase at any given time (80 to 90 percent). During this phase, the hair grows continuously at a rate of approximately 1-inch per month. Hair will grow unabated in the anagen phase for a period of two to seven years.
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Catagen Phase
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Occasionally, your hair follicles require a resting stage. The traditional stage into this period of rest is known as the catagen phase. During this phase, your hair detaches from its blood supply, causing the hair bulb to stop producing pigment. Hair growth also stops during this phase. Over a period of two to four weeks, the follicle diminishes approximately one-sixth in size. At any given time, 2 to 3 percent of all hair follicles are in the catagen phase.
Telogen Phase
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The resting phase of the hair cycle is known as the telogen phase. During this phase, your hair follicles become weak and thin. Eventually, the old hair will shed, making room for a new hair follicle to emerge (once the anagen phase begins again). The telogen phase lasts for about three months, and affects 10 to 15 percent of hair follicles at a given time. It is not uncommon to lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day to this shedding phase.
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