Your hair is in a constant state of motion known as the hair growth cycle. There are three separate phases to the cycle and hair will always be in one of the three phases. The phase that lasts the longest is known as the anagen phase, which is when hair growth occurs.
Significance
The majority of your hair at any one time will be in the growing phase. The growing phase typically lasts between 2 to 7 years and roughly 85 percent of your hair will be in this phase at any one time. The average rate of growth for hair is 6 inches per year.
Function
The root of the hair is attached to a hair follicle underneath the scalp. At the end of the hair follicle is what is known as the dermal papilla, which draws nutrients to the follicle through the bloodstream.
Types
Hair may also be in the catagen phase, which is referred to as the transitional phase. This phase takes place at the end of the growing phase and lasts just several weeks. When the catagen phase begins, the hair follicle will shrink to approximately 15 percent of its normal size. The dermal papilla splits from the hair follicle during this phase. Less than 5 percent of hair is in this stage, which lasts only several weeks.
Effects
The final phase of the hair growth cycle is the telogen phase, which is also known as the resting phase. Hair does not grow in this phase, but remains attached to the hair follicle, which is still separated from the dermal papilla. The resting phase will last approximately three months, during which it is routine to see up to 100 hairs being shed daily. The telogen phase will last for up to 100 days and between 10 and 15 percent of hair will be in this phase at any one time.
New Cycle
At the end of the telogen phase, the hair follicle and the dermal papilla once again join and a new hair will be produced. Hair that has not been shed will eventually be pushed out by the new hair so the growth cycle can begin anew.
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