4 Phases Of Hair Growth And How It Affects Hair Loss

Hair growth and hair loss may appear to be a simple process. In reality, what seems like a basic process on the surface level is broken down into four phases. Studies dive deep into each of these phases to formulate effective best hair treatment in Bangalore.

Every phase operates on a specific timeline. Factors like age, nutrition, and physical health influence their timelines. The positive side is that you can integrate healthier steps as you grow older to maintain healthy hair growth. Stay tuned to learn more about each stage and the various hair growth treatments available.

4 Phases Of Hair Growth

1. Growth phase: Anagen

In this phase, hair follicles push through to continue growing until they run the course of their lifespan or are trimmed. Around 90% of your hair is undergoing phase one at any given time.

Anagen is the longest phase of all, generally lasting three to five years for the present hair. In rare cases, a single strand of hair may grow for seven or more years. It is important to note that the anagen phase varies with body hair on different parts. For instance, the first phase is shorter for eyebrows and pubic hair than the hair on your scalp.

1. Transition phase: Catagen

Catagen starts when the anagen phase ceases, lasting for around ten days. Here, hair follicles begin to shrink while the hair growth dwindles. Hair detaches from the rear end of the hair follicle and remains in the same place in its final days of growth. Studies show that no more than 5 percent of your hair is in the catagen phase.

1. Resting phase: Telogen

Telogen is the in-between phase where hair neither experiences growth nor falls off. Another aspect of this phase is the development of new hair in follicles. The follicles released in the catagen phase trigger this process.

This phase has a timeline of three months. Studies estimate that about 10-15 percent of your scalp hair is in the telogen phase. Some health experts claim this to be a shedding phase, but most scientists split it into the proceeding stage- Exogen.

1. Shedding phase: Exogen

As discussed earlier, Exogen is an extension of the telogen phase. In the timespan of this phase, hair sheds from your scalp. Hair washing and brushing may accelerate the rate of hair fall. 50-100 strands of hair loss daily during this phase is considered normal.

Exogen lasts for about two to five months. As the old hair strands fall, new hair begins to grow in the follicles.

How These Phases Impact Hair Loss

Hair loss is a consequence of disturbance in one of the phases of the hair growth cycle. Alopecia areata, a hair loss condition, is a common cause of hair loss in men and women. It is a disorder where a person experiences severe hair fall. The subtypes of this condition are as follows:

• If males experience baldness or genetic hair loss, it is called Androgenic alopecia, a worldwide condition

• In case of inflammation damages your hair follicles, it is known as Scarring alopecia

• If you're in the habit of pulling your hair, it may result in a hair loss condition classified as Traction alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia causes the anagen cycle to shorten while it prolongs the telogen stage. This disrupts the flow of the entire process and shortens the cycle's duration significantly. A person undergoing this condition may notice their hair shedding rapidly. A side-effect of the same is thinner and shorter hair formation in every cycle. Doctors term this process miniaturisation, which is prone to hair follicles related to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Other factors that affect hair loss are listed below:

• Infection

• Stress

• Poor Healthcare

• Pregnancy

Scalp Psoriasis is a skin disorder that results in raised, red patches below the scalp. The suspected cause is that the immune system triggers an abrupt overgrowth of skin cells. They later build into patches that may spread to the neck, forehead, behind, and inside the ears.

Hair Loss Treatment Diagnosis

A physical examination and consultation are necessary for an accurate hair loss treatment strategy. Besides inquiries about your diet plan, hair care routine, and medical history, you might have to take one of the following tests:

• Blood test: It will help your healthcare provider identify any medical disorders that cause hair loss.

• Pull test: Your healthcare professional may check the quantity of hair that falls out on tugging.

• Scalp biopsy: Doctors may take a sample of your hair to study it under a microscope.

• Light microscopy: A healthcare professional may study the bases of trimmed hair to detect probable Disorders of your hair shaft.

Hair Loss Treatment Alternatives

1. Laser Therapy

The FDA approved a mild laser device to treat genetic hair loss in men and women. Research studies show improvement in the density of hair. This treatment clinically modifies the hair follicles and stimulates the growth of thicker and fuller hair. Laser therapy is a secure and less invasive procedure in comparison with hair transplants.

1. Medication

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter non-prescription drug that comes in liquid, shampoo, and foam. Women should apply this on the scalp skin daily, while men should apply it twice a day for the best results.

1. Hair transplant surgery

Your dermatologists may recommend hair transplant surgery in case of permanent hair loss. They may remove hair from a portion of your head with hair and transplant it to the bald spot.

Conclusion

One should focus on building a healthy lifestyle that promotes low-stress levels, maintains a balanced diet, and incorporates a hair care routine. Seek medical help immediately if you notice excessive hair loss. Usually, an underlying condition is the cause of hair fall. Prompt treatment will diminish hair fall and facilitate healthy hair growth.

We use the most advanced and latest techniques in our treatment services. Our treatments are fully safe to be taken by pregnant women and nursing mothers as well. Our non-invasive and side-effect-free services ensure this.