Every day you lose about 50-100 hairs. This happens because each hair strand has its own cycle of growth and shedding, termed the hair growth cycle. Throughout your life the hair growth cycle is in constant occurrence but it can become interrupted. It’s important to understand the phases of the hair growth cycle and the factors that can affect it in order to understand many of the problems that can affect your hair.
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases:
The Anagen Phase
The anagen phase is when your hair grows. The cells in your hair root divide rapidly and a new hair strand grows out from your hair follicle at a rate of about one centimeter every 28 days. The anagen phase lasts 3-5 years, depending on your genes. At any one time, about 90 percent of the hair on your head is in the anagen phase.The Catagen Phase
The catagen phase is the transition phase. Your hair detaches from its blood supply and stops growing. It remains in place until it either falls out from your hair follicle or is pushed out by new hair growth. The catagen phase lasts about ten days.The Telogen Phase
The telogen phase is the resting phase. Your hair falls out from your hair follicle and your hair follicle rests. The telogen phase lasts about three months. At any one time, only about 10 percent of the hair on your head is in the catagen or telogen phase. Once the telogen phase is complete, your hair follicle returns to the anagen phase and a new hair growth cycle begins.
A range of factors can influence the hair growth cycle, including genes, diet, hormones, illness, stress, childbirth, surgery, and drugs. If the hair growth cycle is disrupted, hair loss or hair thinning may result.
Understanding the hair growth cycle can help you to identify and solve many of the problems that can affect your hair. By learning how your hair grows and knowing the risk factors for hair loss or thinning, you can take steps to improve your hair growth.
At New Look Institute our hair restoration specialists understand the hair growth cycle and are experts in the hair loss industry. If you’re experiencing hair loss we want you to know there is hope. We encourage you to visit us immediately in order to increase your chances of preserving your hair. To schedule a free consultation to discover your options, contact us today.
Photo Credit: Maria Morri Via Flickr Creative Commons
Sources:
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/hair-care/hair-loss-vs-hair-shedding
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/understanding-hair-loss-basics#2
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/science-hair#2
