There are 4 distinct hair growth phases that describe the hair growth cycle for every hair that grows (and falls out) of your head.
Traditionally, 3 hair growth phases were believed to exist but recently, research suggests that the fourth Exogen phase (shedding phase) deserves to be described as its own separate, important phase.
Each stage of hair growth has distinctive attributes and understanding them assists with learning more about hair loss.
The table below actually shows 5 phases but you’ll see that the final phase on the right is essentially the early part of phase 1 (Anagen Phase) to show the circle of life (so to speak) of hair growth from start (initial growth) to finish (when hair falls out).
Here is a more detailed description of each of the 4 hair growth phases.
Anagen Phase (Growing Phase)
The Anagen phase is the first stage of hair growth. Hair remains in this phase for 2-7 years which is clearly a wide range and depends on the person and their age. So the longer the growth aspect of this phase the longer your hair could potentially grow. The shorter the phase, the shorter your hair could potentially grow. Hair grows an average of about 0.5 inches per month.
This phase also determines how long our hair will be. As we get older, the phase decreases in length and hair tends to become thinner. About 90% of hairs are in the Anagen phase at any given time. As we get older and as baldness becomes a concern, the number of hairs in the Anagen phase decrease.
Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
The Catagen phase begins as the Anagen phase ends and the hair prepares to fall out, having reached the end of its life. This phase only lasts about 10-14 days and during this time, the hair ceases to grow and the hair follicle shrinks in size. At any given time, around 1% of hairs are in the Catagen phase.
Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
The Telogen phase is the resting phase that lasts about 2-3 months. Around 10% of hairs are in the Telogen phase at any given time. If hair enters the Telogen phase too early, shedding and overall thinning of hair can occur which leads to noticeable balding.
Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)
The Exogen phase is the final phase where the hair falls out having reached the end of its life. It is not unusual for 50-150 hairs to fall out per day for the average man in this phase. Some men can lose up to 200 hairs per day which is a concern as this is what leads to the thinning of hair and eventually baldness. Previously, the Telogen and Exogen phase were generally considered to be one phase.
Early Anagen Phase (Growing Phase)
The hair growth cycle beings again in earnest and new hair begins to grow.
Foods That Can Assist Hair Growth Phases
A diet lacking in the proper vitamins and minerals can retard hair growth. Certain foods can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and the following foods can assist with hair growth:
- Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids like salmon
- Fruits high in vitamin C like kiwi
- Blueberries
- Vegetables like sweet potato, spinach, avocado, asparagus, tomato and sweet pepper
- Eggs
- Seafood like oysters and sardines
- Grains like buckwheat and seeds like flaxseed and chia
- Lentils, chickpeas and blackbeans
Conclusion
- Hair grows (and falls out) in a series of 4 phases before starting the cycle again as new hairs grow.
- Knowing more about the 4 hair growth phases can help you understand your hair loss and how you can deal with it while promoting a healthy lifestyle in general.
- You can increase the chances of positive hair growth by eating a diet of certain healthy foods as listed above.
- Learn more about hair loss in men if this is something you’re experiencing.
What hair growth phases were you already familiar with? Did you learn anything new from this post? Let us know in the comments below!
