Hair is a highly complex structure that can be difficult to understand. The hair growth cycle is the process in which hair follicles go through from beginning to end, and it’s important for understanding how best to take care of your scalp and grow healthy, beautiful locks. Let’s explore what happens in each stage of the cycle!
The Four Hair Growth Stages are:
- Anagen (growth) – The anagen phase is a period of active growth. It lasts, on average, for about 3 years and 10 months (about 85% of people’s hair) but can vary from 2 to 6 years. This is the only stage during which the hair actually grows.
- Catagen (transition) – The catagen phase is a short transition period and lasts typically for about 2 weeks. This stage marks the end of active growth, and the hair stops growing anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks prior to falling out, which takes another 4 weeks.
- Telogen (resting) – The telogen phase is a resting stage. This period is initiated by the release of chemicals from the body to direct the hair follicle into a resting state, where it remains until it falls out. The hair rests and does not grow for about 3 months (about 10% of people’s hair) but can vary from 2 to 6 months.
- Exogen (shedding) – The exogen phase is the last stage of the hair growth cycle, and it lasts for 2-3 months. This stage is also known as shedding, when the old hair falls out and a new hair begins to grow in its place. During this stage, 10%-15% of your hair is in transition at any point of time.
How To Promote a Healthy Hair Growth Cycle
- Keep your scalp hydrated – Moisturize your hair with hair regrowth oil and scalp.
- Use products that contain Minoxidil – This ingredient helps to thicken the hair and make it grow longer.
- Do not over wash your hair – Over washing can leave your hair looking dull and lackluster, lacking the natural shine and luster that it had when you were a child. It also removes the essential oils from your hair, which can cause buildup and in turn lead to hair fall. This is because, with increased washing, the scalp gets dry and produces more oil in an effort to moisturize itself.
- Trim regularly every 3-4 months – Regular trims prevent split ends and breakage. You can book an appointment with your hairdresser or even give yourself a DIY haircut at home if you know how to do it right.
- Use hydrating shampoos – These are especially important for people who have long hair, as they will not only keep your hair clean but also add moisture to it, which will make it look healthy and shiny.
- Use a good quality conditioner – Conditioners are not just for conditioning the hair; they also help you in detangling your hair while bathing and give gloss, shine, and manageability to your hair. So, use a hydrating conditioner once a week to get rid of tangles.
- Use natural oils – You can use natural oils such as coconut oil, Almond oil, and Olive oil to massage your scalp and hair. Natural oils have antioxidant properties that help in restoring the natural health of your hair. Indulekha bringha oil is a good choice then for it included only natural ingredients like Svetakutaja, Amla and more.
The hair growth cycle is a complex process that should be treated with care. This article has provided you with the basics of what to expect and when.