What You Should Know About Hair Shedding

What is the Hair Shedding Cycle and when does it happen?

The hair growth cycle consists of four phases:

1) Anagen (growing phase)

2) Catagen (transition phase)

3) Telogen (resting phase)

4) Exogen (shedding phase).

We all lose hair on a daily basis, but have you ever wondered why this happens? Understanding the hair shedding cycle can help us better comprehend the natural process of hair growth and loss. In this blog post, we will explore the hair shedding cycle and when it typically occurs.

The hair shedding cycle consists of three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each phase plays a crucial role in the growth and renewal of our hair. The last phase is the shedding phase, exogen.

1. Anagen Phase:

The anagen phase is the active growth phase of the hair follicle. During this phase, cells in the hair bulb rapidly divide, pushing the hair shaft upwards. On average, this phase lasts between two to six years, but it can vary depending on genetics and other factors. Approximately 85-90% of our hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.

2. Catagen Phase:

Following the anagen phase, the hair follicle enters the catagen phase, also known as the transitional phase. This phase lasts for about two weeks and marks the end of active hair growth. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply. Only about 1-2% of our hair is in the catagen phase at any given time.

3. Telogen Phase:

The telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair follicle. It typically lasts for around three months, during which the hair follicle remains dormant. At the end of the telogen phase, a new hair begins to grow, pushing the old hair out. Approximately 10-15% of our hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.

Hair shedding, also known as hair loss or hair fall, primarily occurs during the telogen phase. When a hair follicle enters the telogen phase, the old hair is shed to make way for new hair growth. On average, we lose about 50-100 hairs per day. However, this number can vary depending on various factors, such as age, genetics, hormonal changes, and overall health.

It is important to note that not all hair loss is a cause for concern. Shedding a few hairs daily is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. However, if you notice excessive hair loss or significant changes in your hair density, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

To maintain healthy hair and minimize excessive shedding, it is essential to take good care of your scalp and hair. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive heat or chemical treatments, using gentle hair care products, and managing stress levels.

In conclusion, the hair shedding cycle is a natural process that occurs in three main phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Understanding this cycle can help us differentiate between normal hair shedding and potential hair loss issues. By taking proper care of our hair and scalp, we can promote healthy hair growth and minimize excessive shedding.