The Hair Cycle Explained with Simple Animations

Welcome to part one of the hair growth cycle, where we'll explore the anagen phase!The anagen phase is the active growth period of the hair cycle, beginning in the hair bulb.During this phase, cells in the hair bulb rapidly divide and multiply.Blood vessels surrounding the hair bulb provide essential nutrients for continuous growth.This growth phase can last anywhere from two to seven years.During the anagen phase, hair grows approximately one centimeter per month, and about eighty-five percent of our hair is in this phase at any given time.As cells divide, they push the hair shaft upward through the follicle, resulting in continuous growth.The blood vessels continuously supply nutrients to maintain this active growth phase.This active growth phase will continue until the hair enters the next phase of the cycle.During the catagen phase, which lasts about two to three weeks, the hair follicle undergoes significant changes.The first major change is the detachment of the hair follicle from the dermal papilla.As the follicle detaches, the hair bulb begins to harden, forming what's called a club hair. While growth stops, the hair remains anchored in place.During this phase, cell division stops completely, the follicle shrinks to about one-third its original size, and blood supply to the follicle significantly reduces.By the end of the catagen phase, the follicle has reached its minimum size, preparing to enter the resting phase.The telogen phase is the final resting period of the hair growth cycle, lasting approximately three months.During this phase, about ten to fifteen percent of our hair follicles are in a resting state.In each follicle, the old hair remains anchored while a new hair begins to form beneath it.As the new hair develops, it gradually pushes the old hair upward, eventually leading to natural shedding.This natural shedding process, known as exogen, results in the loss of fifty to one hundred hairs per day.This daily hair loss is completely normal and necessary for maintaining healthy hair growth cycles.Let's review what we've learned about the telogen phase.Understanding this final phase completes our journey through the hair growth cycle.