Cutise Haircare

Stages of Hair Growth Cycle

Our scalp is home to an incredible network of 100,000 hair follicles that are established right from birth. Unlike some other tissues in our body, hair follicles do not possess the ability to regenerate once they are lost. Therefore, the number of hair follicles we have at birth remains constant throughout our lives.

The process of human hair growth is a fascinating and intricate cycle that occurs in a continuous and random rhythm. This growth cycle comprises six distinct phases that each strand of hair goes through. The first phase is called anagen, which is the active hair growth phase. During this phase, the hair follicle produces new cells, and the hair strand grows longer. The duration of the anagen phase varies among individuals and can last anywhere from two to six years.

Following the anagen phase, the hair enters the catagen phase, also known as the transitional phase. In this stage, the hair follicle shrinks, and hair growth slows down. The catagen phase lasts for about two to three weeks. Subsequently, the hair progresses into the telogen phase, also referred to as the resting phase. During this period, the hair follicle is at rest, and no significant growth occurs. The telogen phase typically spans two to three months.

Eventually, the hair enters the exogen phase, which is the shedding phase. In this stage, the hair strand is released from the follicle and falls out. This shedding is a natural and normal part of the hair growth cycle. Once the exogen phase is completed, the hair follicle enters a brief period called the kenogen phase, during which it remains dormant before restarting the anagen phase.

This continuous cycling through the various phases of the hair growth cycle ensures that our scalp is constantly renewing and replacing hair strands. It is important to note that each hair follicle operates independently, which is why we may notice hairs in different phases of the growth cycle on our scalp at any given time.

Understanding the intricacies of the hair growth cycle helps shed light on the natural process of hair growth and shedding. By recognizing the phases and rhythms of this cycle, we can better appreciate the remarkable nature of our hair and take appropriate care to support its health and vitality.

Why Hair Loss Happens?

Hair loss can be caused by a lot of different factors such as family history, hormonal changes, lack of blood supply to hair follicles, impaired potassium channel activity and stress.

There are 2 types of hair loss: 1) Non-scarring alopecia has the potential of hair regrowth; 2) Scarring alopecia caused by underlying disease such as lupus, has limited chance of hair regrowth.

Non-scarring hair loss encompasses several types, including

Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern hair loss)

Alopecia Areata (an autoimmune disease)

Telogen Effluvium (stress-related hair loss)

Disrupted Hair Growth cycle

In a normal hair growth cycle, the majority of hair follicles (85%) are in the growing phase (anagen), while a smaller portion (15%) are in the shedding phase (telogen). This results in an anagen-to-telogen ratio (A/T ratio) of approximately 7:1 or 87% vs. 13% in a healthy cycle. When the A/T ratio is disrupted and exceeds 20%, hair loss becomes more noticeable as hair sheds at a higher rate.

The most prevalent form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and the root causes behind hair loss can be attributed to the

Disrupted of Hair Growth Cycle

Hair Follicle Shrinkage

Hair Follicle Shrinkage

Hair follicle shrinkage is another common cause of hair loss. This phenomenon, known as hair miniaturization, leads to the gradual reduction in size of the hair follicles. Insufficient blood supply and overproduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are two major contributing factors to hair follicle shrinkage. As a result, the hair shafts become shorter, thinner, and lighter, eventually leading to premature hair loss. Over time, hair ceases to develop from these shrunken follicles, resulting in baldness.

Inadequate blood circulation hinders the hair follicles from receiving the necessary nutrients and oxygen, rendering them weak and diminished in size.

Testosterone is irreversibly converted to DHT by the enzyme 5α reductase. DHT binds to androgen receptors on the hair follicles, causing the individual hairs shrink until they eventually disappear.

Understanding the underlying factors of non-scarring hair loss provides insights into the mechanisms that contribute to these conditions. By recognizing the importance of maintaining a balanced hair growth cycle and addressing issues related to blood supply and DHT production, it becomes possible to explore potential solutions for preventing and treating hair loss effectively.

Disclaimer: The content above is provided for informational purposes only and it should not be taken as professional medical advice.