Understanding the cycle of hair growth helps optimize hair growth and reduces hair loss. Have you ever wondered why some women can grow their hair below their waist while others can’t grow hair below their shoulders? Read this article to find out more about the hair growth cycle and how to keep your hair healthy and long in all four stages.

To understand how hair grows, we first have to look at its parts. Hair comprises two parts: a follicle and a shaft. The stem grows from the hair follicle, which is the hair root that lies beneath the scalp. 

The hair follicle itself consists of one papilla and two bulbs. Papillae contain small blood vessels that offer blood to the hair follicles. Papillae provide the hair follicles with the nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. The rate of division of cells in the hair bulb is much faster than other cells in the human body.

The hair shaft of constituents is a tough protein layer called keratin and a rock-like protective outer layer referred to as the cuticle.

Let us see this article provided by Cyber Hair Sure Clinic to understand the hair growth cycle and how to maintain healthy hair growth.

Understand the hair growth cycle

When new hair follicles are produced, they push the hair shaft out, creating longer hair. An individual  Hair grows six inches per year and about 0.3mm to 0.4mm each day.

However, all hair follicles that come with new hair won’t grow at the same time. Hair growth occurs in one cycle. At any given time, each hair growth is in a different part of the cycle. The good thing is, not all hair grows in the same hair cycle; otherwise, we’d be shed all of our hair at once!

Stages of the hair growth cycle

The hair cycle consists of four phases: 

• The anagen phase
• The Catagen phase
• The Telogen phase 
• And the Exogenous phase.

Anagen (hair growth phase)

The anagen phase is also known as the growth phase is the first part of the hair growth cycle. During the anagen phase, hair cells divide rapidly, which leads to new hair growth. 80 to 90% of hair follicles are in the anagen phase at the same time. The anagen phase of hair growth lasts between two to seven years. The amount of growth of the hair in the anagen phase determines the hair growth’s maximum length. For instance, people with very long hair have a very long anagen phase. The hair follicles in the Eyebrows, Eyelashes, and body hair are short-lived and hence their growth is much shorter than that of scalp hair. Many factors affect the length of the anagen phase, including diet, use of medications, genetics, age, and general health.

Catagen phase (transition)

After the anagen phase enters the catagen phase, this short transitional phase lasts only two to three weeks. During the catagen phase, hair stops growing as it gets cut off from the blood supply. Hair becomes what is called club hair.

Telogen phase (resting)

The catagen phase is followed by the telogen phase or resting phase. During the telogen phase, club hair rests as the new hair grows under it, that new hair will eventually replace the club hair. The telogen phase lasts three months, and 10-15% of all hair is in this phase at any time.

Exogen phase (hair loss)

The exogen phase or hair loss phase is the final part of the hair cycle. During the exogen phase, the hair silently separates and falls out. For a person, it is perfectly normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs every day.

This exogenous phase is the phase that makes you often see hair in the bathroom drain or hairbrush channel. Although hair fall during this phase is common, excessive hair fall is a matter of concern and needs to be addressed promptly.

After the last exogen phase, the hair follicle returns to the first anagen phase and the cycle repeats.

Here’s how you can keep your hair healthy in all four phases

Healthier and fuller hair depends on genetics and hormone levels, which are primarily out of your control, as well as manageable factors such as a healthy lifestyle and proper hair care. Some of the best things to keep your hair healthy in all four phases

are:

Good nutrition

Since hair is mainly made up of protein, you should continue to eat protein while staying focused on healthy protein. It contains:

• Lean meat
• Fish
• Peas
• Nuts
• Low-fat dairy products

Also, studies have shown that adequate intake of the following nutrients boosts healthy hair growth:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Iron (for women only)
• Folic acid, zinc, and vitamin B12 are linked to increased healthy hair growth.

Reduces stress

The Cyber Hair Sure Clinic reports on three different preterm hair loss conditions that are associated with high-stress levels. They include:

• Telogen effluvium: This condition of hair accelerates the growth of hair from the anagen phase to the telogen phase and then to the exogenous phase, thereby doubling or multiplying average hair loss every day.
• Trichotillomania: This mental state of an individual creates an irresistible urge to pull their hair from the scalp or other body areas.
• Alopecia areata: This condition arises when the body’s immune system attacks healthy hair follicles and causes hair loss.

Learning to relieve stress through yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, counselling, and avoiding some of the daily stressors in your life can help relieve stress, providing many positive health benefits.

Proper hair care

Nourishment of hair starts with choosing the right shampoo. Look for products that are good for your hair, such as it’s oily, dry, smooth, dyed, etc.

The right conditioner can change too, but finding the right product makes some trial and error. Pay attention to how your hair is healthy with the usage of various shampoos and conditioners.

Gentle hair care is also essential for promoting healthy growth. Avoid boiling water when shampooing and dry your hair gently when you’re done. Hair is more prone to damage when wet. Reduce the heat with a hairdryer while drying your hair can also make a difference.

Conclusion:

If you think you are losing hair faster than usual, talk to a doctor. Prompt treatment can help slow hair loss and maintain healthy hair. The reason for varying rates of hair growth from one individual to another is still a mystery to science. No one solution will work for everyone, so you should have a lot of trial and error before finding the one that works best for you. Frequent tips can encourage new hair growth.

Always check with a doctor if you experience extreme hair loss. Would you like to learn more about why you may experience hair loss? Then meet our experienced doctors at Cyber Hair Sure Clinic Hyderabad. Contact us at 08331020202.