Anagen Phase
Strands of hair are made of two parts: the follicle and the shaft. The shaft is the visible part of the hair, while the follicle sits below the skin. Hair grows when cells in the follicle divide, pushing cells outward into the shaft. These dividing cells keep hair growing at the rate of almost one-half inch per month, although growth slows with age. This growth stage is called the anagen phase and lasts from two to six years, according to Familydoctors.org. About 90 percent of your hair will be in the anagen phase at any point in time.
Telogen Phase
When the anagen phase ends and hair stops growing, the hair rests in place. This is called the telogen phase. This phase lasts for two to three months while the follicle rests, and then the hair falls out. Then cells in the follicle begin to divide again, and the cycle of hair growth begins anew. A person with a normal rate of hair growth will lose 50 to 100 hairs a day to the end of the telogen phase, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Hair Loss
There are several reasons why hair loss may accelerate past the normal rate. Some people, especially men, have hereditary baldness. Conditions that cause hormone imbalances, such as thyroid disease or hormonal shifts after pregnancy, can also cause excess hair loss. Tight hairstyles, like braids or ponytails, can damage follicles, as can chemical hair treatments. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition which causes the body to actually become allergic to its own hair. Stress, illness or certain medications can cause telogen effluvium. During telogen effluvium, more hairs than normal go into the telogen stage, so excess hair is shed.
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