Stages of Hair Growth

Genes determine the growing stages of the hair. There are three stages of hair growth.

1. The Anagen or active growing stage, during which time each hair bulb has an attached root sheath. On the average 90 percent of a person’s hair is in this stage which lasts from two to six years. Hair color is darker during the anagen stage.
2. The Catagen, a brief transitional stage, when all cell division stops. This stage lasts only a few weeks.
3. The Telogen or resting stage, when each hair bulb has no attached root sheath. At this time the hair falls out. On the average 10 to 15 percent of hair is in the resting stage, which generally lasts 3-4 months. Eventually, cell division is again stimulated, producing new hair, and the growth cycle starts again.

Side note: Ilness and lack of necessary vitamins and minerals can also affect hair and hair growth. In fact, anything that alters the physiological state of the body can effect the hair follicle and hair growth. Disease and medication can also affect hair growth by either stimulating the onset of the telogen phase or by causing the production of abnormal, brittle hairs. If a person has been ill or taking any medication, chemical services can damage hair that may be weak already.