What Is A Hair Cycle, The Reason You Lose More Hair At Certain Times Of The Year?
It's The Hair Shedding Babe!
You may have noticed that every day, you lose some hair while brushing, showering, or just going about your daily routine. This phenomenon, commonly known as hair shedding or hair fall is a natural and essential part of the hair cycle. Understanding the hair cycle can shed light on why we experience hair shedding and how this process is a sign of healthy hair growth. To delve into the intricacies of the hair cycle, we first need to understand that hair is not a static structure. Instead, it undergoes a continuous and cyclical process that consists of three main phases: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases.
Imagine your hair as a garden of tiny hair follicles, each of them serving as the root for an individual hair strand. These follicles work tirelessly to produce hair through this cyclic process.
Let’s Take A Closer Look At Each Phase Of The Hair Cycle
1. Anagen Phase
The anagen phase is the growth phase and is responsible for determining the length of your hair. On average, this phase lasts anywhere from two to six years, depending on factors like genetics and health. During this period, the hair follicle is actively producing new cells, leading to hair growth at a rate of approximately half an inch per month. Around 85% to 90% of the hair on your scalp is usually in this phase.
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2. Catagen Phase
After the anagen phase, hair enters the catagen phase, a transitional period that typically lasts for a few weeks. During this stage, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply, causing the hair strand to become club hair. The catagen phase serves as a natural preparation for the hair to shed and make way for new hair growth.
3. Telogen Phase
The telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, is the final stage of the hair cycle. This period lasts for about two to four months. At any given time, approximately 10% to 15% of your scalp hair is in the telogen phase. During this time, the club hair remains in place until a new hair begins to push it out. Eventually, the old hair strand sheds and the cycle starts anew.
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It’s essential to remember that hair shedding is a perfectly normal process and does not necessarily indicate hair loss or any underlying health issues. In fact, a person typically sheds around 50 to 100 hairs per day. So, if you notice a few strands in your hairbrush or on the bathroom floor, don’t fret—it’s all part of the natural hair cycle.
First Published: July 25, 2023 11:44 AMHow To Get Glass Hair With THIS 10-Step Korean Hair Care Routine!
