Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle: The 4 Phases of Hair

Have you ever wondered why sometimes your hair feels like it's growing quickly, and other times it seems to stall? The secret lies in the hair growth cycle. Every single strand of hair on your head goes through different phases of growth, rest, and shedding. Knowing how this cycle works can help you understand why hair loss happens and what you can do to keep your locks healthy.

The 4 Phases of Hair Growth

Your hair isn't just sitting there—it's alive and going through a constant cycle. Let's break it down:

1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

• This is the active growth stage, and it's where the magic happens.
• Around 85–90% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.
• It can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on your genetics.
• The longer your hair stays in anagen, the longer it can grow—this explains why some people can grow waist-length hair while others struggle past their shoulders.

👉 Tip for healthy anagen hair: Fuel your body with protein, iron, and vitamins to give your follicles the nutrients they need for strong growth.

2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

• This phase is short, lasting only about 2–3 weeks.
• The hair stops actively growing and detaches from the blood supply.
• Think of it as your hair getting ready for a rest.
• Only about 1% of your hair is in catagen at any time.

👉 You usually won't notice this phase, but it's a normal part of the cycle.

3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

• About 10–15% of your hair is in telogen.
• This stage lasts around 3–4 months, where the hair just "rests" in your scalp without growing.
• After telogen, the old hair eventually sheds to make way for new growth.

👉 Ever noticed more shedding in the shower after a stressful event? Stress, illness, or hormonal changes can push more hairs into telogen at once, leading to noticeable shedding (called telogen effluvium).

4. Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)

• This is the final stage, when the old hair actually falls out.
• It's normal to lose 50–100 hairs per day as part of this cycle.
• New anagen-phase hairs are already growing underneath to replace what's lost.

👉 Don't panic if you see hairs on your pillow or in your brush—it's all part of the cycle.

Why Understanding the Hair Cycle Matters

Hair loss, thinning, or slower growth often comes down to a disruption in this cycle. For example:

• Hormonal changes (like menopause or thyroid issues) can shorten anagen.
• Stress or illness can push hairs prematurely into telogen.
• Nutrient deficiencies can weaken growth overall.

When you understand the cycle, it's easier to pinpoint why your hair might be shedding and what you can do to help.

Your hair is constantly renewing itself through these phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Some shedding is completely normal, but if you notice sudden or excessive hair loss, it may be a sign your cycle has been disrupted.

With the right nutrition, self-care, and professional support, you can help your hair stay in its growth phase longer and keep it looking fuller and healthier.