Hair Growth Cycle 101
By Sara Wasserbauer | Published on August 11, 2010 | 0 Comments
Although hair loss is something that many people will come to experience at some point in their life, few are aware of how the hair growth cycle actually works. Sara Wasserbauer M.D. , a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area, explains that there are three primary phases of hair growth, broken down as follows:
Anagen phase. This is the growing stage that produces the majority of hair found atop the average human head. This growth phase can last anywhere from two to 10 years depending on the genetics at play.
Catagen phase. This is the next phase in the hair growth cycle that many tend to refer to as the shedding phase. The catagen phase can last anywhere from two to six weeks and can occur seasonally as well immediately following a new type of hair treatment, such as a transplant. This phase can also kick in after a big change occurs in the hair or even the body, such as weight loss or gain, an extended illness, or even an uncharacteristically stressful period of life.
Telogen phase. Also known as the resting phase, this is the final step in the hair growth process. Although the hair follicle is alive and well during this phase, it simply does not grow like it does during the anagen phase. The telogen phase will usually last three to six months before the hair growth cycle begins all over again.
What does all of this mean for patients? For starters, Dr. Wasserbauer advises that following any sort of hair loss treatment, it may take up to a full year for a patient to be graced with noticeable results due to the nature of the hair growth cycle.
Additionally, some people don’t realize that shedding is a normal bodily process that does not necessarily indicate that major hair loss is imminent. Dr. Wasserbauer insists that some people will shed up to 100 hairs a day and not even notice a difference upon looking in the mirror. On the other hand, just because shedding is not automatically a precursor to hair loss doesn’t mean that people shouldn’t keep tabs on their own personal patterns. If a patient notices a sudden increase in shedding then it may be wise to visit a hair loss specialist sooner rather than later.
According to Dr. Wasserbauer, a good hair restoration specialist will always keep the hair growth cycle in mind when initiating treatment for patients. And on the flip side, patients must prepare themselves to be tolerant when trying new hair loss treatments, as it can take up to a full year for even the most successful of options to produce results. In Dr. Wasserbauer’s experience, some people have a tendency to give up early, but anyone who lets his emotions get the better of him could end up missing out on the joys of having a fuller head of hair.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.