Anagen Phase of Hair Growth

20 September, 2024 | Hair Growth | Author : Shveta Virmani

Human hair keeps going through four different stages. It attains the full length in the first stage. The transition occurs in the second phase, followed by resting and shedding. The anagen phase of hair growth is the growing stage. The hair continuously grows during this phase. You can learn a lot about the hair growth phases from hair transplant specialists at MedLinks.

You have to understand that the human body is more like a complex machine. So, you can regard hair growth as one of several intricate procedures. In comparison to catagen and telogen stages, the anagen phase is more active.

Hair transplant surgeons refer to the anagen phase as the human hair’s growth stage. The hair follicles keep producing new strands of hair during this phase. The number of hair strands increases rapidly during this stage because of hair follicles.

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Anagen: The Growing Phase

In the anagen stage, a person usually has around 85-90% of their hair. The time period of this stage can vary based on the location. Know that each hair on a human body has to go through the anagen phase. It is one of the significant alopecia hair growth stages. The variation in time in the anagen stage is a reason why scalp hair grows longer than body hair.

Many people wonder how long it takes for the hair growth cycle to complete. Prior to reaching the last part of the anagen stage, scalp hair keeps growing for 2-6 years. When it comes to thigh hair, the anagen phase lasts for nearly two months.

What Occurs during the Anagen Stage?

Various significant procedures keep occurring during the anagen phase of hair growth within the hair follicle. Here are those processes.

Keratinisation: The new hair cells are filled with keratin right after their production. It is because of keratin that hair can retain its strength and structure.

Division of Cells: The formation of new hair cells takes place when cells within hair follicles divide and multiply rapidly.

Growth of Hair: The newly produced hair cells keep pushing upward right through the scalp. Ultimately, hair strands become clearly visible.

Activity of Melanocyte: You can refer to melanocytes as some specific cells within hair follicles. They are responsible for the production of melanin, a hair colour-determining pigment.

Why is it Essential to Understand the Anagen Phase?

You must have a clear understanding of the anagen phase of hair growth to maintain thick, healthy hair. Any interruption or disruption during the anagen stage can cause hair thinning, extreme shedding and other hair-specific issues. Thus, it’s imperative to do everything that will enable you to foster a healthier anagen stage. Two phases of the anagen stage are proanagen and metanagen.

Follow a Nutritious Diet: It is essential to strictly follow a nutrient-rich diet to maintain the health of your hair. Both men and women with healthy, lustrous hair maintain a well-balanced diet.

Stress Management: You can reap a host of holistic health advantages if you learn the best ways to manage stress. Mental problems often affect hair health to a great extent. So, try practising yoga, meditation and deep breathing to alleviate stress and boost the health of your hair.

Gentle Hair Care: It is essential to refrain from excessive or unnecessary hair treatments. You will end up damaging your hair follicles if you do not opt for gentle hair care techniques.

Get in touch with a certified healthcare professional to know the best step to take if you experience hair loss. Maintaining a full head of healthier, stronger hair won’t be difficult if you understand the anagen phase of hair growth.

Different Factors that Adversely Impact the Duration of Anagen Phase

The anagen stage duration varies to a great extent from one person to another. Moreover, some factors adversely impact the duration. Here are those:

Genetics: The anagen phase time period is mainly determined by hereditary factors. Some people naturally grow hair longer because of longer anagen stages.

Age: The anagen phase is likely to shorten with age, which causes a decrease in hair growth and an increase in hair shedding.

Hormones: Hormonal abnormalities can impact the anagen phase time frame. The anagen phase usually extends during pregnancy, resulting in hair that is fuller and thicker.

For healthy hair development, a diet rich in vital nutrients like iron, zinc and biotin must be balanced. Deficiencies in certain nutrients shorten the anagen stage. Prolonged stress can decrease the anagen phase and increase hair shedding, which can have a detrimental effect on hair development. Excessive bleaching or dying can cause harm to hair follicles and limit the duration of the anagen phase.

Prioritise the ones above during the anagen phase of hair growth and also throughout other stages.

How Pattern Baldness Affects Hair Growth?

The most prevalent type of hair loss in men is male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness typically results in permanent hair loss, as opposed to the transient nature of telogen effluvium.

The effects of the DHT hormone, or dihydrotestosterone, in combination with a person’s genetic makeup, create this type of hair loss. DHT has the ability to attach itself to scalp receptors over time. It causes hair follicles to undergo a process known as shrinkage.

Your hair follicles weaken and finally cease to produce new hairs throughout this process. According to some research, DHT activates proteins involved in your hair development cycle, such as TGF-β1, TGF-β2, DKK1, and interleukin 6. Not every follicle in your hair is susceptible to DHT.

The most informed decision you can make is to consult globally reputed and well-versed hair transplant surgeons at MedLinks. It is one of the most trusted hair transplant centres in Delhi, boasting state-of-the-art hair treatment facilities.