Hop on the Hair Cycle: Understanding Stages of Growth & How to Keep the Balance
Do you ever wonder about the hair problems Rapunzel has? Hair problems and Rapunzel probably are not the two words one will use in a single sentence. But the thing is, Rapunzel and you have something similar - your hair grows the same way. The hair cycle, irrespective of the person, has certain stages. When all these phases of hair growth run nicely, you get smooth, strong, and growing hair. However, if any stage is disrupted, you will see poor hair growth with noticeable hair thinning and loss.
We might not have Rapunzel’s magic hair, but you can still turn your hair into a crowning glory by understanding the hair growth stages and how to keep them balanced.
The Fantastic 4: Hair Cycle Phases
The hair follicles produce new hair. The new hair grows and matures over time. The scalp sheds the hair, and the process continues. Below is a detailed overview of how this entire hair growth cycle takes place.
Here’s a fun fact about the hair cycle!They might work together to give you your desired look, but have no doubt that each hair strand is an independent individual. What that means is that not all hair strands go through the same hair cycle phases at the same time. If they did, they all would fall at the same time, and you can imagine the end result! Note that one group of scientists explains the cycle in 3 stages of hair growth, but another group has further divided the third phase into two different parts. |
1. Anagen Phase: It’s Time for the Hair to Grow!
At the anagen stage, the hair follicles are actively dividing and rapidly pushing out new hair. This growth stage in the hair cycle can last around 3 to 5 years, with an average total growth of 18 to 30 inches. People of Asian descent can witness a longer anagen phase, up to 7 years, allowing the hair to grow as long as 3 feet. Around 90% of the hairs on your head stay in this phase of the hair cycle at any given time!
2. Catagen Phase: The Hair is Transitioning!
With the end of the anagen phase in the hair cycle, the active hair growth comes to an end and goes through a transition. The hair-growing cell will separate the strands from the blood supply. The strands will stay in the same place but leave the bottom of the hair follicles. It is the shortest one among the 3 cycles of hair growth, lasting around 10 days or so. Only 5% of the hairs stay in the catagen phase together at a time.
3. Telogen Phase: Let the Hair Rest!
The hair follicles and strands have worked hard, and now they need rest. There is no new growth, but the strands do not start falling out. An estimated 10-15% of hair can be in the telogen hair phase simultaneously. The duration of this phase is about 3 months but can last up to 100 days.
4. Exogen Phase: Say Goodbye to the Old!
This is the stage in the hair cycle when the hair strands start to fall out. The shedding phase will last for 2 to 5 months, and 50 to 100 hair strands can fall every day.
Do not worry; new strands are on their way. As the scalp sheds the old hair strands, follicles in another corner work vigorously to produce new hair. With that, the stages circle, creating a complete hair cycle.
The scientists who do not define the hair growth cycle as only ‘anagen catagen telogen’ combine the telogen and exogen stages. In such a cycle, the third phase will include both resting and shedding, increasing the duration slightly.
What Happens When the Hair Cycle is Disrupted?
In case, the four hair follicle phases are not in balance, the situation will change dramatically. If the hair follicles and roots become weak and can’t do their job, there will be no new hair growth. There will be more hair loss than usual. Between the decreasing hair growth and increasing hair loss, the hair cycle will be disrupted, and your hair’s look and health will go down the drain.
How to Maintain a Balanced Hair Cycle?
There are three proven solutions to keep ‘anagen catagen and telogen (and exogen)’ smoothly running!
1. Proper Care
Vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and folic acid are commonly associated with healthy hair growth, and you should have them in your hair care routine. Using a product like Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask enriched with bio-protein will restore healthy proteins in your hair and strengthen the hair.
2. Proper Products
Pick hair care products, be it a shampoo, conditioner, mask, or serum, depending on your hair type and requirements to empower the hair cycle. For example, people with curly hair often face heavy entanglement, which can result in hair damage and breakage. In this case, the Dove Beautiful Curls Detangling Conditioner can be highly useful.
3. Proper Environment
Heat and pollution can make your hair dull and damaged. While you can’t ask the sun to go under shade each time you want to go out, the Dove Radiant Shine + UV Protect Hair serum can keep your hair safe.
Best Products for Healthy Hair Growth
The key to a healthy hair cycle is to reduce hair fall and encourage growth. Regular cleansing, moisturising, and nourishing will keep your hair and hair follicles strong. This routine will ensure less hair breakage and more hair production.
The first step of your regular care for a balanced hair cycle should be washing your head with gentle cleaning and strengthening products like the Dove Intense Repair Shampoo. The fibre actives in this shampoo will repair hair damage without using any parabens and dyes. Follow it up with the Dove Intense Repair Conditioner. Its keratin repair actives make the hair more resilient to damage and leave you with smooth locks.
Wrapping Up!
Healthy hair growth is on the wishlist of many. As the popular saying goes, not every day is a good hair day, but we say most days can be! Build a strong care regime with the most suitable products to help the hair cycle. Examine your scalp and strands to find out if you have any concerns. Take adequate measures to free your hair and let it shine!
FAQs
1. What is the best way to check if I am losing more hair than usual?
Monitor your scalp. If the scalp becomes more visible than before, it can be an indication of excessive hair fall. You can also measure the circumference of your ponytail to see if it is becoming thinner.
2. How many times should I use a hair mask?
You can use a hair mask once a week.
3. Is using hair serum necessary for hair growth?
Hair serums will keep the hair moisturised, detangled, and frizz-free, decreasing hair damage and fall chances. Moreover, hair serums can act as a great heat protector during styling.
