Catagen Phase of Hair Growth

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

The process of hair growth and shedding may appear simple. But, it is essential to have a clear understanding of each of the stages to grasp how hair actually grows. You will also learn the best steps to take to treat or prevent the loss of premature hair. The catagen phase of hair growth is the second one, which comes after the anagen phase and is followed by the telogen phase.

The growth of hair takes place in four different stages. The shedding of hair from the scalp occurs in the final stage. New hair growth is only possible owing to hair shedding in this stage. Various conditions adversely impact different hair growth stages. The change in hair follicles is evident from the anagen to catagen phase, which is during the 26th-28th week gestation period.

Each of these stages has its own time length, which is affected by diet, age and overall health. Prioritising the needful is a must to ensure your hair adheres to a healthier growth cycle.

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Catagen: The Intriguing Transitional Phase

You can regard the catagen phase of hair growth as the transition between the growth and resting phases. It lasts only 2-3 weeks, which is why the period is relatively short. The hair follicle starts to shrink during the catagen phase. On the other hand, the production of new cells begins to slow down. Eventually, the growth of hair stops gradually.

The club hair formation makes the catagen phase stand out and more distinct. The hair follicle goes through regression, and the hair shaft’s thick, bulbous end forms. The club hair stays anchored in the hair follicle for some time despite no hair growth. Catagen is indeed one of the vital alopecia hair growth stages.

Which Factors Affect the Catagen Stage?

Multiple factors influence the hair growth cycle. Keep reading to understand each of the crucial factors in detail.

Genetics: Hereditary factors are major determinants of hair growth rate, texture, and thickness. Most people worldwide experience alopecia because of genetics.

Hormones: Disorders like alopecia can result from hormonal imbalances that interfere with the hair growth cycle. Both women and men suffer from hormonal imbalances because of various physical and psychological reasons.

Age: The percentage of hairs in the telogen phase may rise as people age, and their hair development slows down. You will definitely experience hair loss as you age because it affects the cycle of hair growth.

Diet: For healthy hair development, a diet rich in essential nutrients and balanced is required. The follicles that produce hair may be impacted by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. So, make it a priority to stick to a balanced diet for the healthy growth of your hair.

Medical conditions: Several illnesses, including autoimmune diseases and thyroid problems, can severely impact hair growth.

Stress & Anxiety: Too much stress can shorten the anagen period and increase shedding. Mental issues like stress and anxiety can be detrimental to the health of hair.

What are the Other Vital Hair Growth Phases?

Aside from the catagen phase of hair growth, it is essential to have knowledge of all other hair growth phases.

Anagen Phase

The first phase of hair formation is the anagen phase. For hair on the scalp, it is the longest phase, lasting three to five years. A single hair can grow for up to seven years in certain people.

Fortunately, the anagen periods of different hair types differ. For example, your scalp hair's anagen phases are substantially longer than the pubic and eyebrow phases.

The anagen phase is when your hair follicles are growing hair. The hairs will continue to grow until they are clipped or, in the end, they will fall out. Approximately 90% of the hairs on your scalp are in the anagen phase at any given time.

Telogen or Resting Phase

The telogen phase typically lasts for three months. It is estimated that ten to fifteen percent of your head's hairs are in this phase.

In the telogen period, hairs usually do not develop or shed. When hair is growing in the catagen phase of hair growth, some follicles discharge hairs. The telogen phase is also when new hairs start to grow.

This stage has been divided into the telogen and exogen stages by numerous researchers. The telogen phase is still referred to as the "shedding phase" by certain medical practitioners.

Exogen or Shedding Phase

Exogen phase hair loss is normal and occurs when hair falls out of the scalp, typically between 50 and 100 hairs daily. The exogen phase is an extension of the telogen stage of hair growth and occurs between two and five months. New hairs grow into the follicles as the old ones fall out during this time.

Tips to Care for Your Hair Properly

Choosing the appropriate shampoo is the first step towards healthy hair care. If you have fine, greasy, dry, colour-treated, or any other type of hair, look for products made specifically for it.

It may take some trial and error to locate the appropriate products, but the right conditioner can also make a difference. Keep an eye on how different shampoos and conditioners affect your hair.

To encourage healthy development, treating your hair gently is also critical. When shampooing, avoid extremely hot water and gently towel dry your hair. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage. It also helps to reduce the heat when drying your hair.

Even while severe hair loss is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, one must take it seriously. This period contributes to hair loss because the old hair sheds during the catagen phase of hair growth.

To ascertain the underlying reason for significant hair loss, it is imperative to get advice from a healthcare practitioner. Choose MedLinks, one of Delhi's best hair transplant clinics. The team of highly experienced hair transplant surgeons at this clinic can recommend the best treatment for your hair-related issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the catagen hair growth phase known as?

The catagen phase of hair growth is known as the transitional phase. It is a representation of the transition from the anagen and telogen phases.

For how many days does the Catagen stage last?

The catagen stage lasts for nearly ten to fifteen days.

What does the catagen phase indicate?

The catagen phase clearly indicates the active hair growth's end. In this phase, individual hairs do not receive the supply of blood and have no connection with the hair-producing cells.