The active part of your hair’s growth cycle

Theanagenphase is the active growth phase ofhair follicles.

During this first ofthree growth hair phases, a strand can grow about 1 centimeter every 28 days.

What Happens During the Anagen Phase?

life cycle of a hair

Verywell / Emily Roberts

The amount of time that a hair follicle stays in the anagen phase is genetically determined.

An unknown signal causes the end of the anagen phase.

It’s important to note that all hairs do not go through these stages at the same time.

chemotherapy hair loss

DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND

It signals the end of the active growth of a hair.

The hair detaches from its blood supply during the catagen phase.

This phase lasts for about two to three weeks.

loose anagen syndrome

DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND

The club hair falls out.

Some experts refer to exogen, the release of the hair shaft, as a fourth phase.

What Affects the Anagen Phase?

Those with the condition may have hair that is noticeably thin.

Chemotherapy is a common cause.

In such cases, the hair will usually recover to its prior fullness once the offending agent is stopped.

Short Anagen Syndrome

Short anagen syndrome is a rare condition that shortens the anagen phase.

The cause of this syndrome is unknown.

Loose Anagen Syndrome

Loose anagen syndrome is seen in some children.

Hair is sparse, and can easily and painlessly be pulled out.

If it is, the roots show that hair is in the anagen phase.

This condition is resulting from a defect in the way the hair is attached to the scalp.

It may be an inherited condition and it usually improves as the child ages.

Can Anagen Stimulators Increase Hair Growth?

Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology.Is your hair suddenly shedding like crazy?

You may have a condition called telogen effluvium.

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Campbell C, Bahrami S, Owen C.Anagen effluvium triggered by thallium poisoning.JAMA Dermatol.

2015;1(3):150-152. doi:10.1159/000441125

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Loose anagen syndrome.

2020;33(4).