Hair Growth Cycle: Understand the Phases and How to Stimulate It
Hair Growth Cycle: Understand the Phases and How to Stimulate It
Having healthy and voluminous hair is a common desire, but many people do not know how the hair growth cycle works. Hair goes through different phases of development, and understanding this process is essential for adopting habits that promote stronger and more resilient strands.
In this article, you will learn everything about the hair growth cycle, the factors that influence each phase, and how to stimulate healthy growth.
The Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair does not grow continuously but rather through a cycle divided into three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each strand on the scalp goes through these phases at different times, ensuring that daily hair loss remains balanced.
1. Anagen Phase (Growth)
The anagen phase is the stage of active hair growth. During this period, the cells in the root multiply rapidly, making the hair grow about 1 to 1.5 cm per month.
- Duration: 2 to 7 years.
- What happens: The strand remains attached to the hair follicle and receives essential nutrients to grow.
- Importance: The longer the hair stays in the anagen phase, the longer it will grow.
Factors such as genetics, diet, and hair care influence the duration of this phase.
2. Catagen Phase (Transition)
The catagen phase is an intermediate stage that marks the end of the hair’s active growth.
- Duration: 2 to 3 weeks.
- What happens: The hair follicle begins to shrink and disconnect from the root of the strand.
- Importance: Only 1 to 2% of the scalp hairs are in this phase at any given time.
During this stage, the hair stops receiving nutrients and prepares for the next phase.
3. Telogen Phase (Rest and Shedding)
The telogen phase is when the strand detaches from the scalp and naturally falls out to make room for a new hair strand.
- Duration: 2 to 4 months.
- What happens: The old strand falls out while a new hair begins to form in the hair follicle.
- Importance: It is normal to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day in this phase.
If hair remains in the telogen phase for too long, it can lead to excessive shedding and thinning.
What Can Disrupt the Hair Growth Cycle?
Various factors can negatively impact the hair cycle, resulting in excessive shedding or slow growth. The main ones include:
- Nutrient-poor diet: Deficiencies in iron, biotin, and protein can weaken hair.
- Stress and anxiety: Excessive stress can shorten the anagen phase and accelerate hair loss.
- Hormonal changes: Issues such as hypothyroidism, menopause, and birth control use can affect the hair cycle.
- Excessive chemical treatments: Frequent use of straighteners, bleaching, and dyes weakens the hair and hampers growth.
- Genetic factors: Some people have a predisposition to a shorter hair cycle.
How to Stimulate Hair Growth?
Although the hair growth cycle is influenced by genetics, some practices can help prolong the anagen phase and strengthen the strands.
1. Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Hair needs vitamins and minerals to grow healthily. Include in your diet: ✅ Proteins (eggs, lean meats, beans) ✅ Iron (spinach, lentils, liver) ✅ Biotin (nuts, almonds, banana) ✅ Omega-3 (salmon, chia, flaxseed) ✅ Vitamin C (orange, acerola, kiwi)
2. Massage the Scalp
Massaging stimulates blood circulation and improves the transport of nutrients to the hair follicles. Use essential oils such as rosemary and peppermint to enhance the effects.
3. Use Hair Growth-Specific Products
Shampoos, tonics, and serums formulated with active ingredients like caffeine, minoxidil, and biotin can help prolong the anagen phase.
4. Avoid Excessive Chemical Treatments
Aggressive treatments can weaken the roots and compromise hair growth. Opt for less invasive techniques and always keep hair hydrated.
5. Manage Stress
Practices such as meditation, yoga, and physical exercise help reduce stress and prevent excessive shedding.
Conclusion
The hair growth cycle is a natural and continuous process that goes through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest and shedding). Understanding how this cycle works helps identify habits that can promote healthy hair growth.
To maintain strong and voluminous hair, it is essential to adopt a balanced diet, use suitable products, avoid aggressive chemicals, and take care of mental health. Small routine changes can make a big difference in prolonging the growth phase and preventing excessive hair loss.
Now that you understand the hair cycle, why not put these tips into practice and strengthen your strands from the roots?
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