* Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase where hair cells divide rapidly, leading to new hair growth. It can last for several years, typically 2-7 years on the scalp, but varies depending on genetics, nutrition, and overall health. Hair grows about 1 cm per month during this phase.
* Catagen (Transition Phase): This is a short transition phase, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Hair growth slows down, the hair follicle shrinks, and the hair detaches from the nourishing blood supply.
* Telogen (Resting Phase): This is the resting phase, which lasts around 3 months. The hair follicle is completely dormant, and the old hair remains in the follicle while a new hair begins to form beneath it. Eventually, the old hair is pushed out as the new hair emerges, and the cycle begins again with the anagen phase.
It's important to note that at any given time, different hairs on your body are in different phases of the growth cycle. This is why we shed hair regularly but don't go completely bald.