The Phases of Hair's Life Cycle
It takes a long period time (generally two to six years) for every hair strand on the scalp to attain its ultimate growth potential. During this lengthy growth period the hair is washed, conditioned, exposed to the heat and pollution (e.g. chemical treatments). None of these factors affect the normal growth of the hair follicles, but it can damage the hair shaft. Hair follicles in skin remain unaffected by the harmful effects of environment and continue with their normal cyclical process of hair growth and renewed re-growth after resting for a small period. Phases of hair growth cycles:
- Anagen- lasts 2-6 years -In addition, there is another phase called Exogen, which directly affects the Anagen phase. Exogen causes an aggravation to the scalp and further shedding of hair. The Anagen, or active phase refers to the stage during which the hair grows continually. This phase normally last up to five years.
- Catagen- lasts 2-4 weeks -The Catagen , or transitional phase refers to the period of time in which the stoppage of growth of an old hair occurs and the growth of new hair in the papilla begins. This lasts between two and three weeks.
- Telogen- lasts 2-4 weeks -The Telogen, or resting phase occurs when the new hair grows in the follicle while the old hair becomes dormant after ten to twelve weeks of this phase the new hair will force the old hair from the follicle.
