We all know that our hair grows, but we do not necessarily think about it in terms of how it grows and how that eventually relates to hair loss. Without close examination it appears that our hair grows predominantly in unison, but our individual hair follicles all generally operate independent of each other.
Each of the hair follicles on our scalp could be in one of three stages of growth: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. So, what are these stages and how long does each last?
How Long Is Each Hair Growth Stage?
The first stage of hair growth, Anagen, is the actual forming of the hair fiber within the follicle. This stage lasts through the hair being visible on the surface of the skin. The hair follicle can be in this stage of hair growth for as long as several years.
The next stage, Catagen, is the transition phase and may only last a few weeks. The hair fiber sheds approximately one-sixth of its diameter at this time. Conditions like poor diet and autoimmune diseases such as hyperthyroidism can lead to further hair thinning during this stage.
The final stage, Telogen, is the resting phase and, therefore, growth of the hair follicle ceases here. Hair on different parts of the body stay in this stage for different periods of time. Our scalp has one of the longest durations at nearly a full year. Anywhere from 10-15% of the hairs across our body are in this stage at any given time.
Can You Push Your Hair into the Anagen Phase?
While you can’t push your hair into the anagen phase, there have been treatments developed that extend the anagen phase. Keeping your hair follicles from transitioning to the later phases where the hair loses density and eventually sheds.
The current approach to this is to block fibroblast growth factor 5 (or FGF5), which is involved in transitioning from the anagen to catagen phase. The most common treatment for this is topical Minoxidil. Although it has been shown to treat hair loss by extending the anagen phase, some of the side effects include an increase in hair shedding when starting treatment as well as further hair loss if treatment is stopped.
PNW Hair Restoration Works With You On Your Path To Hair Restoration
While promoting the anagen stage of your hair growth cycle may increase hair density for a time, hair thinning and loss over time with age will affect the overwhelming majority of us. And while there is no cure for male or female pattern baldness, there are proven methods of restoring hair.
As the only facility in Oregon that utilizes the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System, we are well-equipped to help you with your hair restoration journey and improve your overall quality of life as a result. We will always meet with prospective clients in person to explore your options and best chart your path to hair restoration. Contact us today to learn more and book a consultation.
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