Hair growth follows a natural cycle that repeats throughout life, but this cycle changes with age, hormones, stress, and overall health. Understanding how hair grows—and why it sheds—helps explain why thinning, slower regrowth, or increased shedding can feel sudden or confusing. Each strand of hair moves through growth, transition, rest, and shedding phases at its own pace. When this balance shifts, hair density and strength are affected. Learning how the hair growth cycle works gives women clarity, reduces fear around shedding, and helps them care for their hair more gently and effectively as it changes over time.
1. The Hair Growth Cycle at a Glance
Every hair strand on your head follows a repeating cycle made up of several stages. At any given time, different hairs are in different phases, which is why some shedding is always normal. This cycle is designed to renew hair naturally over time. Problems arise when the balance between growth and shedding shifts. Understanding this cycle helps women recognize what is normal—and when changes deserve attention. Hair does not grow continuously; it grows in stages, pauses, and eventually sheds to make room for new hair.
2. The Growth Phase (Anagen)
The anagen phase is when hair actively grows from the follicle. This stage can last several years and determines how long hair can grow. During this phase, hair appears thicker, stronger, and healthier. In younger years, most hair remains in this phase longer. As women age or experience hormonal changes, the growth phase often shortens. When this happens, hair may grow more slowly or appear finer over time. Supporting hair during this phase helps preserve length and density.
3. The Transition Phase (Catagen)
The catagen phase is a short transition period where hair stops growing and detaches from its blood supply. This phase typically lasts only a few weeks. Although it’s brief, it’s an important step that prepares the hair for rest. Changes in hormones or stress can increase the number of hairs entering this phase at once. When that happens, women may notice more shedding later on. This phase is normal but becomes more noticeable when the cycle is disrupted.
4. The Resting Phase (Telogen)
During the telogen phase, hair rests in the follicle without growing. This stage lasts a few months. About 10–15% of hair is normally in this phase at any time. While resting, hair may feel weaker or more prone to shedding. Factors like aging, illness, hormonal shifts, or scalp irritation can increase the number of hairs entering telogen. When too many hairs rest at once, overall fullness may decrease temporarily.
5. The Shedding Phase (Exogen)
The exogen phase is when hair naturally sheds and falls out, making room for new growth. Losing 50–100 hairs per day is considered normal. However, stress, hormonal changes, or scalp imbalance can cause more hair to shed at once. This can feel alarming, even though the cycle itself is doing what it’s designed to do. Understanding this phase helps women recognize that shedding is part of renewal—not failure.
6. How the Cycle Changes Over Time
As women age, hair cycles often slow down. Growth phases shorten, resting phases lengthen, and regrowth may become finer. Hormones, stress, and scalp health all influence how smoothly this cycle runs. While the cycle cannot be stopped, it can be supported through gentle care and awareness. Knowing how hair grows helps women work with their hair rather than fighting it, leading to healthier habits and greater confidence.
