Understanding the Growth Stages of Hair

Where does the life cycle begin and where does it end? Find out here.

Hair, which includes the follicle in the scalp and the shaft, grows about six inches a year. At any given time, a random number of hairs falls into one of three stages.

• Anagen, when the hair is actively growing. (If your hair won’t grow past a certain length, your active growth phase is on the shorter side.)

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• Catagen, when growth stops.

• Telogen, when the hair rests. A bulb develops at the base, turning the hair into a “club” hair, which sheds as, hopefully, new hairs form.