Hair growth is a continuous process controlled by the natural cycle of your hair follicles. The hair growth cycle has three main stages: anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is the active growth phase, catagen is the transition phase, and telogen is the resting phase when the old hair eventually sheds.
Understanding these stages can help you better understand normal hair shedding, hair length and some types of hair loss.
What Are the 3 Stages of Hair Growth?
Each hair follicle moves through the hair growth cycle independently, which means different hairs can be in different stages at the same time.
| Phase | What happens | Typical duration |
| Anagen | Hair actively grows from the follicle | Around 2–6 years or longer |
| Catagen | Growth stops and the follicle transitions | Around 2–3 weeks |
| Telogen | The follicle rests before the hair sheds | Around 1–4 months |
The duration varies between individuals and can also differ depending on the area of the body.
What Is the Anagen Phase?
The anagen phase is the active growth stage of the hair growth cycle. During this phase, cells in the hair follicle actively produce the hair shaft.
Scalp hair can remain in anagen for approximately 2–6 years or longer. Hair grows at an average rate of around 1 cm per month, although individual growth rates vary.The length of the anagen phase partly determines how long your hair can grow before entering the next stage.
What Happens During the Catagen Phase?
The catagen phase is a short transition period between active growth and rest.
During catagen, active hair growth stops and the lower portion of the follicle begins to shrink. This stage generally lasts around 2–3 weeks before the follicle enters the resting phase.
Only a small percentage of scalp hairs are normally in this phase at any one time.
What Is the Telogen Phase?
The telogen phase is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. During this period, the follicle is inactive while the existing hair remains in place.
After the resting period, the old hair can shed and the follicle can begin a new growth cycle. Telogen generally lasts around 1–4 months.Because follicles follow individual cycles, shedding is a normal part of healthy hair growth.
Is Hair Shedding Normal?
Yes. Some hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.
DermNet notes that around 50–100 hairs may be shed each day, although the amount can vary depending on factors such as washing and grooming habits.However, noticeable increases in shedding or persistent thinning can have different causes and should not automatically be considered normal.
How Can You Support Healthy Hair Growth?
There is no single routine that guarantees faster hair growth, but healthy habits can help maintain your hair and scalp.
Consider:
- Eating a balanced and adequate diet
- Following gentle hair-care practices
- Limiting excessive heat and chemical treatments
- Avoiding hairstyles that repeatedly pull on the hair
- Paying attention to changes in your scalp
- Seeking professional advice for persistent or unusual shedding
Hair loss can have many possible causes, so identifying the underlying issue is important before choosing a treatment approach.
When Should You See a Hair & Scalp Specialist?
Consider professional assessment if you experience sudden or excessive shedding, noticeable thinning, a widening parting, receding hairline or persistent changes in your scalp or hair.
A hair and scalp specialist can help assess the pattern of hair changes and determine whether further evaluation may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Growth
What are the three stages of hair growth?
The three main stages are anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is active growth, catagen is transition, and telogen is the resting stage.
How fast does hair grow?
Scalp hair grows approximately 1 cm per month on average, although growth rates vary between individuals.
How long does the anagen phase last?
The anagen phase of scalp hair can last approximately 2–6 years or longer.
Is daily hair shedding normal?
Yes. Some daily shedding is expected as part of the natural hair growth cycle. DermNet reports approximately 50–100 hairs per day as a general range.
Understand Your Hair Growth Cycle With Vivandi Trichology
Understanding the hair growth cycle can help you recognize the difference between normal shedding and changes that may require professional attention.
If you’re looking for professional hair and scalp care in Dubai, contact Vivandi Trichology to learn more about assessment and available trichology services.
