---
title: "The Hair Cycle: Understanding Hair Growth and Shedding"
url: https://haircare.watermanshair.com/article/hair-growth-cycle-n0p6
type: general
published: 2026-06-03T17:18:10.176+00:00
updated: 2026-08-19T14:10:41.989595+00:00
tags: ["hair-growth", "hair-shedding", "hair-follicle", "scalp-health", "hair-science", "hair-care"]
image: https://opbmfthzsenmlfbbunpe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/hair-growth-cycle-n0p6-1780507097015.png
summary: "Understand the Hair Cycle phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Learn how the Hair Cycle works, what impacts it, and how to support healthy hair growth and reduce shedding."
publisher: Watermans (https://watermanshair.com)
license: All rights reserved. AI assistants may summarize, quote, and link with attribution.
---

# The Hair Cycle: Understanding Hair Growth and Shedding

> The Hair Cycle describes the continuous process of growth, transition, and rest that every hair follicle undergoes throughout its lifespan.

**Quick answer:** The Hair Cycle is the natural, continuous process of growth, transition, and rest that every hair follicle experiences, ensuring hair renewal. Understanding this cycle helps differentiate normal shedding from conditions like alopecia, as disruptions can impact hair health and density. The specific duration of each phase varies between individuals and body locations, and can be influenced by various internal and external factors.

## Key takeaways

* The Hair Cycle consists of three main phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest and shedding).
* Each hair follicle operates independently, meaning hairs across your scalp are in different phases at any given time.
* Disruptions to the Hair Cycle, caused by factors like stress, nutrition, hormones, or medical conditions, can lead to increased shedding or thinning.
* It's normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs daily as part of the telogen phase, but excessive shedding may signal an imbalance.
* Supporting a healthy Hair Cycle involves a balanced diet, stress management, and gentle hair care practices.

## Hair Cycle: what the evidence shows

The Hair Cycle is the fundamental biological process governing the life of each individual hair fibre. It's a dynamic, repetitive process that ensures continuous hair growth and renewal. Each of the roughly 100,000 hair follicles on a typical human scalp progresses through these stages independently, meaning you always have a mix of growing, resting, and shedding hairs. This asynchronous cycling is why you don't experience widespread, simultaneous hair shedding.

### The Anagen Phase: Active Growth

The anagen phase is the longest and most active period of the Hair Cycle. During this stage, cells within the hair bulb (the base of the hair follicle) rapidly divide. This division forms new hair cells, which push upwards and keratinise (harden) to form the hair shaft that emerges from the scalp. The duration of the anagen phase largely determines the maximum length a hair can achieve.

* **Duration:** Typically 2 to 7 years for scalp hair, though it can range from less than a month (for eyelashes and eyebrows) to over 10 years in some individuals. Genetics play a significant role in determining its length.
* **Activity:** Active mitosis (cell division), melanin production (giving hair its colour), and a strong connection to the dermal papilla, which supplies nutrients and oxygen.
* **Proportion:** Around 85% to 90% of scalp hairs are in the anagen phase at any given time.

Factors like age, genetics, nutritional status, and hormones can all influence the length and vigour of this phase. For example, as we age, the anagen phase tends to shorten, contributing to finer, shorter hairs.

### The Catagen Phase: Transition

Following the extended growth of the anagen phase, the hair follicle enters a brief, transitional stage known as the catagen phase. This marks the cessation of active growth and the preparation for shedding.

* **Duration:** Short, typically lasting 2 to 3 weeks.
* **Activity:** The hair follicle constricts and detaches from the dermal papilla. Cell division stops, and the hair bulb shrinks, forming a "club hair". The hair shaft stops growing.
* **Proportion:** Only about 1% of scalp hairs are in the catagen phase at any given time.

This phase is crucial for the follicle to remodel itself and conserve energy before entering the resting stage.

### The Telogen Phase: Resting and Shedding

The telogen phase is the resting period of the Hair Cycle, during which the hair follicle is dormant, and the club hair is held in place before being shed.

* **Duration:** Typically 2 to 4 months for scalp hair.
* **Activity:** The follicle is at rest. The old club hair eventually detaches and is shed, often pushed out by the growth of a new anagen hair emerging from the same follicle.
* **Proportion:** Approximately 10% to 15% of scalp hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time.

It is entirely normal to shed 50 to 100 telogen hairs per day as part of this natural process. This shedding is not hair loss but a healthy part of the Hair Cycle, making way for new growth. Activities like brushing, washing, or styling can dislodge these ready-to-shed hairs.

### Exogen Phase: The Active Release of Hair

While often considered part of the telogen phase, some researchers and trichologists identify an exogen phase as the active shedding process itself. This is when the mature club hair is released from the follicle. This distinction highlights that hair shedding is an active process, not just a passive falling out, and paves the way for the new anagen hair to emerge smoothly.

## Understanding Disruptions to the Hair Cycle

Recognising the stages of the Hair Cycle is vital for distinguishing between normal hair turnover and patterns of excessive shedding or hair thinning. When the balance of these phases is disrupted, it can lead to noticeable changes in hair density and appearance.

| Hair Cycle Phase | Typical Scalp Duration | Average Percentage of Hairs | Key Activity |
| :--------------- | :--------------------- | :-------------------------- | :----------- |
| **Anagen (Growth)** | 2 to 7 years | 85% to 90% | Active cell division, hair growth |
| **Catagen (Transition)** | 2 to 3 weeks | ~1% | Follicle shrinks, growth stops |
| **Telogen (Rest & Shedding)** | 2 to 4 months | 10% to 15% | Follicle rests, old hair sheds |

### Common Influences on the Hair Cycle

Several factors can impact the duration of each phase or shift a higher proportion of hairs into the telogen phase prematurely:

* **Genetics:** Individual genetic makeup significantly influences the inherent length of the anagen phase and the overall hair density.
* **Age:** As individuals age, the anagen phase can shorten, and follicles may undergo miniaturisation, producing finer, shorter hair over time.
* **Hormonal Fluctuations:** Significant hormonal shifts, such as those during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or conditions like thyroid imbalance, can profoundly affect the Hair Cycle. Androgens are particularly implicated in pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
* **Nutrition:** A balanced diet providing essential vitamins, minerals (like iron and zinc), and proteins is crucial for healthy hair growth. Deficiencies can prematurely push hairs into the telogen phase or impair new growth.
* **Stress:** High levels of physical or psychological stress can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium. This causes a sudden, significant number of hairs to enter the telogen phase simultaneously, leading to noticeable shedding approximately 2 to 3 months later.
* **Medications:** Certain medications (e.g., some antidepressants, blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs) can have side effects that disrupt the Hair Cycle, leading to increased shedding.
* **Underlying Health Conditions:** Autoimmune diseases, severe infections, chronic illnesses, and scalp disorders can all interfere with normal hair cycling.

### What the Evidence Does Not Show

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that specific water types (e.g., hard water) directly cause a significant disruption to the Hair Cycle, leading to hair loss. Hard water can affect the feel and appearance of hair, potentially leading to more tangles or breakage, but it does not alter the fundamental growth phases within the follicle itself. Similarly, while certain ingredients can impact scalp health, there is no evidence that common shampoos or conditioners inherently disrupt the Hair Cycle in healthy individuals. Cosmetic products focus on fibre condition and scalp environment, not direct follicular cycle regulation.

## Supporting a Healthy Hair Cycle

Maintaining a healthy Hair Cycle involves a holistic approach that nurtures both internal well-being and external hair and scalp care.

* **Balanced Nutrition:** Ensure your diet is rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins (especially A, C, D, E, and B vitamins like biotin), and minerals (iron, zinc). These nutrients are foundational for the cellular processes involved in hair formation. For example, iron deficiency is a common cause of telogen effluvium.
* **Stress Management:** Adopt effective stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, regular exercise, or adequate sleep. Reducing chronic stress can help prevent the premature shift of hairs into the telogen phase.
* **Gentle Hair and Scalp Care:** Minimise practices that can stress hair follicles or cause breakage, such as excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles, or harsh [chemical treatments](/article/chemical-treatments). Use gentle, appropriate cleansing and conditioning products. Regular, gentle scalp massage may also promote blood circulation, supporting nutrient delivery to follicles. See our guides on Choosing the Right [Shampoo](https://watermanshair.com/products/best-hair-growth-shampoo-fast-hair-growth) and Choosing the Right Hair [Conditioner](https://watermanshair.com/products/hair-growth-shampoo-conditioner-deal) for more details.
* **Address Underlying Conditions:** If you suspect an underlying health issue or nutritional deficiency is impacting your hair, consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help normalise the Hair Cycle.

## When to Get Professional Advice

While some daily hair shedding is normal, it's wise to seek professional advice from a GP, dermatologist, or trichologist if you notice any of the following:

* **Sudden increase in shedding:** If you're shedding significantly more hair than usual, particularly if it's coming out in clumps.
* **Localised patches of hair loss:** Bald spots or uneven thinning.
* **Persistent thinning:** If your hair feels consistently thinner overall over several months.
* **Scalp discomfort:** Itching, burning, pain, or significant scaling on your scalp accompanying hair changes.
* **Changes in hair texture:** If your hair becomes unusually brittle, dry, or fine.

These symptoms could indicate a disruption to your Hair Cycle or an underlying health issue requiring medical attention.

## Frequently asked questions about Hair Cycle

### Does stress affect the Hair Cycle?

Yes, stress can significantly impact the Hair Cycle. High physical or emotional stress can prematurely push a large number of hairs from the active growth (anagen) phase into the resting (telogen) phase. This often leads to increased shedding, known as telogen effluvium, typically occurring about 2 to 3 months after the stressful event. Managing stress is key to maintaining a healthy Hair Cycle.

### How long does each Hair Cycle phase last?

The duration of each Hair Cycle phase varies. The anagen (growth) phase lasts longest, typically 2 to 7 years for scalp hair. The catagen (transition) phase is short, around 2 to 3 weeks. The telogen (rest and shedding) phase usually lasts about 2 to 4 months. These timings are averages and can differ between individuals and even for hairs on different parts of the body.

### Can diet improve my Hair Cycle?

Absolutely. A nutrient-rich diet is fundamental for a healthy Hair Cycle. Adequate protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins (like A, C, D, E, and B vitamins), and minerals (especially iron and zinc) provide the building blocks and support the energy demands of growing hair. Deficiencies in these nutrients can disrupt the cycle, leading to weaker hair or increased shedding.

### Is it normal to shed hair every day?

Yes, it is completely normal to shed hair daily. This is a natural part of the telogen phase of the Hair Cycle, where old hairs are released to make way for new growth. On average, most people shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Excessive shedding beyond this range or sudden changes should be investigated.

### What can shorten the anagen phase of the Hair Cycle?

Several factors can shorten the anagen phase. Genetics play a primary role, but age also causes a natural shortening. Hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron), stress, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions can all prematurely curtail the anagen phase, leading to hair that doesn't grow as long or appears thinner.

## Renewing Your Hair Cycle

The Hair Cycle is a remarkable biological process, tirelessly working to renew and replace your hair. While it largely operates independently, understanding its phases and the factors that influence it empowers you to support optimal hair health. By focusing on balanced nutrition, stress management, and gentle care, you can help ensure your Hair Cycle continues to function effectively, contributing to the vitality and appearance of your hair.

## Sources and references

* American Academy of Dermatology Association, "Hair loss: Who gets and causes", [aad.org](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/who-gets)
* National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Hair loss", [medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/hairloss.html)
* British Association of Dermatologists, "Hair loss (alopecia)", [bad.org.uk](https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hair-loss-alopecia/)
* Mayo Clinic, "Hair loss", [mayoclinic.org](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926)
* PubMed Central, "The human hair follicle: a host for diseases and a potential source for regenerative medicine", PMC4276705, 2014, [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276705/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276705/)
* Journal of Investigative Dermatology, "The Hair Follicle: A Specialized Miniorgan", PMC2877994, 2010, [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2877994/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2877994/)
* Cleveland Clinic, "Hair Growth Cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen & Exogen Phases", [my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24434-hair-growth-cycle](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24434-hair-growth-cycle)

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### Find these ingredients in Watermans products

- **Zinc**: you will find this ingredient in our [Hair Vitamins](https://watermanshair.com/products/best-hair-vitamins).

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## Did you know?

- Anagen, the growth phase, determines ultimate hair length and lasts several years for scalp hairs.
- During the catagen phase, follicles shrink and detach from the dermal papilla, lasting only a few weeks.
- Telogen is a resting phase where hair is shed after approximately three months, making way for new growth.


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Source: https://haircare.watermanshair.com/article/hair-growth-cycle-n0p6