Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle: A Foundation for Healthy Hair

Understanding Hair Growth Cycle: A Foundation For Healthy Hair

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle for Optimal Hair Growth

The Hair Growth Cycle: Understanding How Hair Grows and Why It Matters

Growing thicker, fuller hair starts with understanding the basics of the hair growth cycle. This knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions about our hair care routines, especially when focusing on natural solutions to promote hair growth. In this article, part of our series The More You Know, The More You Grow, we will explore the phases of the hair growth cycle and the various factors that influence it.

The Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle is a complex process consisting of four key phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. Understanding these phases is essential for anyone looking to combat thinning hair and promote healthy hair growth.

Anagen (Growth Phase)

The anagen phase is where active hair growth occurs. This phase can last anywhere from two to seven years, determining the length of your hair. During anagen, hair follicles push out hairs that will continue to grow until they are cut or reach the end of their lifespan. Approximately 85-90% of the hair on your scalp is in the anagen phase at any given time.

Catagen (Transition Phase)

Following the anagen phase, hair enters the catagen phase, a brief transitional period lasting about two to three weeks. During this time, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla, a structure crucial for hair growth. Only about 1% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.

Telogen (Resting Phase)

The telogen phase is the resting stage, where hair does not grow but remains attached to the follicle. This phase lasts about three months, and at the end of it, the hair is shed. Around 10-15% of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.

Exogen (Shedding Phase)

The exogen phase is the final part of the hair cycle, during which the old hair is shed, and the follicle begins producing new hair. Typically, 50 to 150 hairs are shed daily as part of the normal hair growth cycle.

Phases of Hair Growth Beginning With Anagen

Factors Influencing the Hair Growth Cycle

Several factors can affect the hair growth cycle, influencing the thickness, growth rate, and overall health of your hair.

Genetics

Your genes play a significant role in determining your hair density, growth rate, and the likelihood of experiencing hair thinning or loss. For example, androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is strongly linked to genetic factors.

Age

As you age, the rate of hair growth naturally slows down, and hair follicles may stop producing new hairs altogether, leading to thinner hair. The anagen phase shortens, and more follicles enter the telogen phase.

Nutrition

A diet lacking in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can hinder hair growth and negatively affect hair health. Key nutrients for hair growth include biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, and E.  You can incorporate these nutrients naturally by choosing the best fruits and vegetables for hair health. 

close up of fruits and vegetables for hair health including yellow bell peppers, orange bell peppers, kale, green grapes and more

Hormonal Changes

Hormones significantly influence hair growth. Changes in hormone levels, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can lead to increased shedding or hair thinning.

Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, like autoimmune diseases, and medications can impact the hair growth cycle, resulting in temporary or permanent hair loss. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are common culprits.

Stress

High levels of stress can cause hair to prematurely enter the telogen phase, leading to noticeable hair shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium. Chronic stress can exacerbate this, leading to long-term hair loss if not managed.  Simple steps such as yoga and scalp massage can help decrease stress and improve your scalp health. 

Embracing Natural Solutions for Hair Growth

By understanding the hair growth cycle and the factors that influence it, you can better tailor your hair care routine to support healthy hair growth. Embracing natural hair care solutions, especially those targeting thinning hair, can be an effective way to nurture your hair.

For instance, Sempre Hair Growth Organonutrients are vitamins featuring natural botanicals known for their hair health properties, including Saw Palmetto, Ashwagandha, nettle leaf, and bamboo extract.  They work synergistically with topical Sempre Hair Growth Foam also made with natural botanicals and a proprietary blend for optimal hair growth support.  

Sempre Hair Growth Foam and Sempre Hair Growth Organonutrients on a mirrored table with reflections of the bottles and corresponding products

How Do Natural Botanicals Support the Hair Growth Cycle? 

Natural botanicals have been used for centuries to promote healthy hair and support the hair growth cycle. These plant-based ingredients offer a gentle and effective way to nourish the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and maintain the balance of the hair growth cycle. Here’s how some of the most well-known botanicals, like saw palmetto, aloe vera, rosemary oil, and tea tree oil, contribute to different phases of the hair growth cycle.

Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha, a key ingredient in many natural hair care products, is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body manage stress. It may positively influence the hair growth cycle by reducing cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can shorten the anagen phase. By mitigating stress and potentially enhancing nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, ashwagandha can support a longer and healthier anagen phase, promoting robust hair growth.

Saw Palmetto – Inhibiting DHT to Support the Anagen PhaseSaw palmetto is a botanical extract known for its ability to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can shorten the anagen (growth) phase by shrinking hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. By blocking the production of DHT, saw palmetto helps extend the anagen phase, allowing hair to grow longer and thicker.

Aloe Vera – Soothing and Hydrating for a Healthy Scalp EnvironmentAloe vera is renowned for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy scalp environment. A well-hydrated and calm scalp is crucial for the anagen phase of hair growth. Aloe vera also contains enzymes that can help exfoliate the scalp, removing dead skin cells that might block hair follicles. This promotes a cleaner, more receptive scalp for new hair growth. 

slices of aloe vera

Rosemary Oil – Stimulating Blood Circulation for Follicular HealthRosemary oil is a powerful botanical known for its ability to stimulate blood circulation when applied to the scalp. Increased blood flow ensures that hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen, which are vital for sustaining the anagen phase. Additionally, rosemary oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect hair follicles from damage, supporting overall follicular health and promoting stronger hair growth.

Sage – Strengthening Hair and Reducing SheddingSage is a potent herb known for its ability to strengthen hair and reduce excessive shedding. Rich in antioxidants, sage helps protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, which can lead to premature entry into the telogen (resting) phase. By maintaining the health and strength of hair follicles, sage can help prolong the anagen (growth) phase, reducing hair fall and promoting thicker hair. Additionally, sage's astringent properties help regulate sebum production, keeping the scalp balanced and reducing the risk of clogged follicles.

Turmeric – Combating Inflammation and Promoting Hair Follicle FunctionTurmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb, widely used for its ability to combat inflammation and promote overall health. When it comes to hair growth, turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the scalp, which is often a key factor in hair loss conditions like alopecia. By soothing inflammation, turmeric supports the health of hair follicles, allowing them to remain in the anagen phase longer. Additionally, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to inhibit the activity of TGF-beta1, a growth factor that can induce catagen (regression) phase prematurely, thus supporting prolonged hair growth.

turmeric powder on table with test tube of hair growth vitamins over it

FAQs on Hair Growth and the Hair Growth Cycle

How long does the hair growth cycle last?The hair growth cycle varies for each individual. The anagen phase, where active growth occurs, can last between two to seven years, while the entire cycle (including catagen, telogen, and exogen) can last several months.

Can stress really cause hair loss?

Yes, high levels of stress can push more hair follicles into the telogen phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium.

How can I naturally support hair growth?

Supporting hair growth naturally involves maintaining a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients, managing stress, and using natural hair care products that nourish the scalp and hair follicles.

Do genetics play a role in hair loss?

Yes, genetics are a major factor in hair loss, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).

Is it normal to shed hair every day?

Yes, it is normal to shed between 50 to 150 hairs daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle.

Conclusion

Understanding the hair growth cycle is key to fostering healthy, vibrant hair. By recognizing the phases of this cycle and the factors that influence it, you can take proactive steps to naturally support your hair’s health. Stay tuned for more insights in our series, The More You Know, The More You Grow, where we will explore additional strategies and tips for nurturing your hair at every stage of its growth cycle.

    Sources:

    Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to The Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss

    Anatomy Hair

    The structure of people’s hair. 

    Study of Drug Target Identification and Associated Molecular Mechanisms for the Therapeutic Activity and Hair Follicle Induction of Two Ashwagandha Extracts Having Differential Withanolide Constitutions. 


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