Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle: How It Impacts Hair Loss and Regrowth
When you look in the mirror each day, it’s hard to notice the small changes happening in your hair. But behind the scenes, your hair is constantly moving through a fascinating process known as the hair growth cycle. There are four distinct phases that your hair goes through as it grows. Understanding these stages can help you keep your hair healthy and manage hair loss effectively.
The Four Stages of Hair Growth
The four stages of hair growth are the anagen phase, catagen phase, telogen phase, and exogen phase. While most of your hair follows a similar pattern, not every strand is in the same phase at the same time. Knowing what happens during each stage helps you make informed decisions about maintaining your hair and scalp health.
- Anagen Phase: The Active Growth Stage
This is the main growth phase — the “workhorse” of the hair cycle. It lasts between two to seven years, during which hair follicles continuously produce new hair, nourished by a strong blood supply. About 85–90% of your scalp hairs are in this stage at any given time. Genetics and hormone levels determine how long your hair can grow. Supporting this phase with proper care and nutrition is key to maintaining healthy hair growth.
- Catagen Phase: The Transitional Period
The catagen phase lasts around two weeks and marks the end of active growth. During this time, hair detaches from its nutrient supply, and the follicle begins to shrink. This short, natural transition is essential for resetting the growth process.
- Telogen Phase: The Resting Stage
In the telogen phase, hair takes a break from growing. This resting stage lasts about three to four months, with roughly 10–15% of your hairs in this phase at any given time. Factors such as poor scalp health or stress can extend the telogen phase, so if your hair feels stagnant or shedding seems prolonged, it’s best to consult a hair loss specialist.
- Exogen Phase: The Shedding Stage
Shedding hair is a normal part of the cycle. During the exogen phase, old hairs are released to make way for new growth. It’s typical to lose between 50–100 hairs a day. However, excessive shedding could signal an imbalance or issue within your hair growth cycle. Hair specialists at Aderans The London Hair Clinic can provide personalized solutions to address your specific needs during this stage and beyond.
Factors That Affect the Hair Growth Cycle
Several factors can influence how your hair grows and renews itself. Here are some key ones:
Hormonal Changes
Hormones have a major impact on hair follicle function. Shifts in hormone levels — during pregnancy, menopause, or due to thyroid disorders — can disrupt the cycle. For example, conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease can contribute to thinning hair. If you notice unexpected changes in your hair, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional to assess your hormone levels.
Nutritional Influences
Your hair needs essential nutrients like biotin, iron, and protein to grow strong and healthy. When your diet lacks these nutrients, follicles may weaken or become stuck in the resting phase. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats supports steady, vibrant hair growth.
Scalp Health
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Conditions such as dandruff, excessive oil, or inflammation can affect blood flow and limit follicle function. Treat your scalp like your skin — cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize regularly to encourage circulation and promote growth.
Supporting your hair growth cycle means maintaining balance across these factors — hormones, nutrition, and scalp care — to create the ideal environment for healthy hair.
The Impact of Disruptions in the Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle is delicate, and even minor disruptions can cause noticeable changes. The good news is that improving your hair care habits can help restore balance and encourage regrowth.
Causes of Hair Loss
Many internal and external factors can interfere with hair growth. Hormonal imbalances, especially elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can shrink hair follicles — a process known as miniaturization. Nutritional deficiencies, stress, certain medications, and scalp inflammation (from conditions such as dandruff or psoriasis) can also disrupt the natural cycle.
Common Hair Loss Conditions
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male or Female Pattern Baldness):Caused by genetic sensitivity to DHT.
- Telogen Effluvium: Triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, leading to excessive shedding.
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
While these conditions differ, most are manageable with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Maintaining Hair Health Throughout the Growth Cycle
Healthy hair care isn’t just about what you do during the growth stage — it’s about consistency across all phases. By adopting smart, proactive habits, you can help your hair thrive.
Effective Hair Care Practices
- Wash regularly to prevent oil build-up and keep follicles clear.
- Use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos that preserve natural oils.
- Massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow and encourage growth.
- Avoid harsh styling, excessive heat, and tight hairstyles.
- Stay hydrated — both by drinking water and using moisturizing products.
Proactive Steps for Regrowth
If you’re noticing hair thinning or loss, early action can make a big difference. Supplements containing biotin, zinc, and essential vitamins may help strengthen hair. Treatments such as low-level laser therapy can also stimulate follicle activity.
At Aderans The London Hair Clinic, we offer tailored hair restoration and regrowth solutions for every stage of hair loss. Whether you want to prevent future loss or boost your anagen phase, our experts can design a personalized plan for you.
FAQs
How can I tell if inflammation is causing my hair loss?
Scalp inflammation can interfere with the hair growth cycle and lead to shedding. A hair loss expert can perform a detailed scalp analysis to identify inflammation and recommend treatments to stop further loss and restore balance.
Why do I have so much new hair growth on my head?
This is usually a positive sign that your hair is re-entering the anagen (growth) phase after resting in the telogen phase. It’s common to see this after recovering from stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
Does hair grow back after falling out from the roots?
Hair can often grow back if the follicle remains healthy. However, if hair loss results from permanent conditions such as scarring alopecia or severe follicle damage, regrowth may be limited. A consultation with a hair loss expert can help determine the cause and explore the best treatment options.
Book your FREE consultation today with Aderans The London Hair Clinic.
