How Does Hair Actually Grow?

May 29
17:42

2007

Nadine Visscher

Nadine Visscher

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Many people agonize over the growth rate of their hair. Let's face it, nothing grows out slower than a bad haircut! What most people don't realize though, is that your hair is constantly going through 3 stages of growth...

mediaimage
  Many people agonize over the growth rate of their hair.  Let's face it,How Does Hair Actually Grow? Articles nothing grows out slower than a bad haircut!  What most people don't realize though, is that your hair is constantly going through 3 stages of growth.  Once a hair falls out, it doesn't mean that that's it for that particular spot where that hair came from.  Your hair is constantly going through the 3 steps - growing, shedding and fresh new growth.  When you shed a hair, it's not the first step toward baldness, but it's just a continuation of an ongoing cycle. Anagen Stage     We'll start with the anagen stage where hair is just growing, getting longer.  For some people a hair will continue growing for about 2 years, but for others, it could be as long as 6 years.  The length of time that hair grows depends on how old you are and your genetic makeup.  The growing or anagen stage is a lot longer for a teenager than for someone who is middle-aged.  Your genetics also have a lot to say about how long your hair continues growing. Catagen Stage     The second stage of hair growth is called the catagen stage.  This is when the papilla (the factory for producing hair cells for growth) shuts down.  This process generally takes between 2 or 3 weeks.  When that happens, the follicle (the skin surrounding the hair root) begins to shrink. Telogen Stage     The last step in this cycle is the telogen stage.  During this stage the papilla (the hair growth factory) takes a rest and the follicle hangs onto the hair for about 2 or 3 months.  The hair could fall out during this stage during combing/brushing or during shampooing.  It won't necessarily come out because it was dislodged, it could also be pushed out by the new hair that is starting to grow in the papilla.     In any given time, about 85% of your hair is in the longest stage, the anagen or growing stage.  The other 15% is either in the catagen (shutting down) or telogen (shedding) stage.  Because of that, you will loose between 50 and 200 hairs per day.  It's perfectly normal to lose and shed hair.     If everyone goes through the same 3 stages of hair growth, why do some people seem to be able to grow hair much faster than others?  This is because the papilla (the hair growth factory) produces hair cells a lot faster for some people than for others.  Also, the anagen, or growing stage, lasts a lot longer for some than for others.  So if one person has an average rate of producing hair cells, and the growing stage lasts 2 years, s/he will have a lot shorter hair than the individual who papilla produces hair cells very quickly and whose growing stage lasts 6 years.  But don't be alarmed.  When you lose your longer hairs, they are just finished growing and will very quickly be replaced by the other hairs that are longer and have been growing for some time.  Remember - 85% of your hair is in the growing stage and only 15% in the catagen (shutting down) or telogen (shedding) stage.  It's not going to fall out all at once!  

Also From This Author

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Bouquet: A Guide to Flower Types

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Bouquet: A Guide to Flower Types

Creating a wedding bouquet is an art that combines aesthetics, symbolism, and personal taste. A well-designed bouquet not only complements the wedding theme but also reflects the personality of the bride. Understanding the four fundamental types of flowers—line, form, mass, and filler—is essential for crafting a visually stunning and balanced bouquet. Each type plays a unique role in the arrangement, contributing to the overall shape, focus, and fullness of the bouquet.
The Art of Adorning Wedding Florals with Ribbon

The Art of Adorning Wedding Florals with Ribbon

Ribbons have long been a staple in wedding decor, providing an elegant and festive flair to floral arrangements. From corsages to bouquets, the use of ribbon can transform simple flowers into stunning works of art. While ribbons were once primarily used to bind stems, today they serve a more ornamental purpose, enhancing the visual appeal of wedding florals with their diverse range of widths, fabrics, styles, and colors.
Elevating Wedding Flower Arrangements with Creative Accessories

Elevating Wedding Flower Arrangements with Creative Accessories

Wedding flower arrangements are not just about the blooms; they can be transformed into unique expressions of a couple's style with the addition of creative accessories. From the whimsy of balloons to the romance of candles, and the charm of thematic novelties, these embellishments can set the tone for the entire celebration. This article delves into the art of accessorizing floral displays, offering tips and techniques to ensure these elements enhance rather than overwhelm the natural beauty of the flowers.