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Understanding The Three Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle in Three Minutes

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Health and Medical Blog

Hair follicles undergo repeated cycles, with each hair growth cycle comprising three distinct phases:

Anagen – Growth Phase

The growth phase, or Anagen, is characterized by active hair growth. Lasting from two to six years, approximately 85% of all hairs are in this phase at any given time. Hair grows around 10 cm per year, and an individual hair is unlikely to exceed one meter in length. David Loh Surgery emphasizes that effective permanent hair removal involves delivering sufficient energy to the hair follicle during the Anagen phase, typically through laser or broad-spectrum light. Light sources are preferred as they target pigments in the hair, causing them to absorb light, heat up, and self-destruct. Timing hair removal treatments based on specific areas' growth cycles is essential, with multiple sessions required to address new hairs emerging from the resting phase for optimal results.

Catagen – Transitional Phase

Following the Anagen phase, the hair enters the transitional phase, Catagen, lasting one to two weeks. During Catagen, the hair follicle undergoes shrinkage to about 1/6 of its normal length. The lower part is eliminated, and the dermal papilla separates to rest below.

Telogen – Resting Phase

Succeeding the Catagen phase, the resting phase, Telogen, spans about 5-6 weeks. During this period, the hair remains attached to the follicle without active growth, while the dermal papilla stays in a resting phase below. Approximately 10-15 percent of all hairs are in the Telogen phase simultaneously.

At the end of the Telogen phase, the hair follicle re-enters the Anagen phase. The dermal papilla and the base of the follicle reconnect, initiating the formation of a new hair. If the old hair has not shed naturally, the new hair displaces it, marking the commencement of a new growth cycle. Dr. David Loh underscores the importance of understanding and synchronizing hair removal treatments with these growth cycles for effective and lasting results.

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