Hair is more than meets the eye. Luscious, flowing locks go much deeper than the strands that you style, cut, and color. There are infinite tips, tricks, rituals, and formulas that promise longer and healthier hair, but hair health is more than a magic pill. You need to understand what's going on beneath the scalp down to your (split) ends. It's vital to understand the hair growth cycle.

 

So let's unpack that. Here is everything you need to know about the hair growth cycle, why it matters, and how it affects your beauty routine. 

What is the hair cycle?

Humans are unique because our shedding is random. Our hair doesn't follow the seasons or another cycle like other mammals. The rate at which we lose hair is dependent on so many variables like genetics, the quality of showering water, diet, and more. Regardless, the human scalp grows roughly 6 inches per year growing and shedding continuously. It's normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day!

 

There are 3 stages of the hair cycle: anagen, catagen, and telogen. At any time, a random number of hairs will be in one of these three stages.

 

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The 3 phases of the hair cycle

What happens during the hair cycle's three phases? Keep reading.

1. Anagen Phase

This is the growth phase where the cells inside the hair bulb actually divide and create new hair. Hairs actively grow from the roots for 2-7 years before the follicle becomes dormant and moves to phase two.

2. Catagen Phase

This is the transition phase where hair follicles detach themselves from your blood supply. It hangs out for 2-3 weeks here before moving to the final phase of the hair cycle.

3. Telogen Phase

The last phase is known as the resting phase. This is when hair eventually dies and falls out. Without the regular, nourishment of your blood supply, the hair dies off. This phase lasts about 3 months. Once the hair falls out, the hair follicle starts over and the cycle continues.

How to support a healthier hair cycle

To encourage longer, stronger, healthier hair, locks need to stay in the Anagen growth phase as long as possible. This means the hair is growing to its maximum length before dying off. Your maximum hair length depends on many factors like genetics, age, lifestyle, stress, diet, and overall health.

 

Hair is always growing, but it's damage and breakage that stop hair from growing longer. The root of many hair problems is the scalp, so first, take note of your scalp care. Natural scalp elixirs can help restore PH and condition the skin, like CB-Detox. If you have thin hair, a volumizing treatment can help plump up the appearance of strands, like Root 66.

 

To achieve the hair of your dreams, it starts with understanding your hair cycle and making healthier choices like living a more holistic lifestyle. Not only will you encourage beautiful shiny hair, but the rest of your body will benefit from it!

 

Read more: 6 Ways to Embrace a More Holistic Lifestyle