September 30, 2021
How the Hair Growth Cycle Works
If you’ve noticed thinning hair, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. For most people, the first question is why. Millions of men and women experience hair loss, and there can be several different causes. But all of these causes are understood easier when you also understand the hair growth process. Knowing the cause of your hair loss is the first step in finding the right hair restoration solution for your needs. Hair follicles The follicle is at the base of every strand of hair. It’s where the cells made of keratin protein divide and multiply, pushing out the hair strand. At the very bottom is the hair bulb, where new cells are formed and where blood vessels bring in nourishment. Follicles also have hormone receptors, which receive the hormones that can change the way your hair grows. Hair growth stages There are several stages of hair growth that everyone experiences. Normally, all your follicles are in different stages of growth, so a little hair sheds every day even for people who are not experiencing hair loss.
- Anagen – This is the growth stage, where all the cells separate, and hair grows. It lasts for years on scalp follicles, which is why the hair on your head can grow so long.
- Catagen – This is a transitional phase between the growth and resting periods. It lasts several days, about 10 or so. Your follicles shrink during this stage, which causes each strand of hair to begin to detach from the follicle.
- Telogen – This phase lasts for several months and it’s also a transitional phase. While your hairs that have separated are still in place and don’t normally fall out in this stage, new hair cells are developing deep in the hair bulb so that the follicle is ready for the next growth stage.
- Exogen – This is the phase where hair begins to fall out. That happens because your new hair cells are beginning to form a shaft that pushes against the old hair shaft until it finally is pushed out of the scalp.
- FUT or FUE hair transplantation
- Dermal Lens hair replacement systems
- PRP treatments
- Laser light treatments
- Custom wigs
- Scalp micropigmentation
- Hair loss prevention products