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The Hair Growth Cycle

The Hair Growth Cycle

Understanding the stages of your natural hair cycle can help solve common hair issues you may encounter and help to boost hair growth.

hair growth journey

The Four Stages of the Hair Growth Cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen & Exogen

Anagen Phase

What is the Anagen Phase?

Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, the Anagen Phase is when the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing so more new hair is formed.

How much does your hair grow?

During the Anagen Phase, your hair grows around half an inch a month [about 6 inches a year], and faster in the summer than in winter.

How long does the Agagen Stage last?

This phase of the Hair Growth Cycle lasts an average of 3-5 years — so a full-length hair growth averaging 18 to 30 inches. The Anagen Phase is generally longer in people of Asian descent, and can last as much as 7 years — meaning your hair may be able to grow up to 3 feet long!

hairgrowth

Catagen Phase

What is the Catagen Phase?

Following the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transitional phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair. Approximately 3% of all hairs are in this stage at any time.

How long does the Catagen Stage last?

Approximately 10 days.

Telogen Phase

What is the Telogen Phase?

The third stage of your natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period when strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing. An estimate of 10-15% of your hairs are in the Telogen Phase at any given moment.

How long does the Telogen Stage last?

Approximately 3 months or 100 days.

Exogen Phase

What is the Exogen Phase?

The final stage of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out. Now the whole process can begin again!

What Happens when the Hair Growth Cycle is Disrupted?

Each hair follicle is independent and goes through the growth cycle at different times — otherwise all your hair would fall out at once! Instead, you only shed a certain number of hairs a day – 80 to 100 hairs on a healthy head of hair.

Hair loss, hair thinning and problems with hair growth may occur when your growth cycle is disrupted. This can be triggered by conditions such as metabolic imbalances, illness or improper nutrition.

For instance, around 12 weeks after restrictive dieting or a high fever, you may experience telogen effluvium (sudden diffuse hair fall). This occurs when your anagen (growth) phase is cut short, and many hairs enter the telogen (resting) phase at the same time – resulting in increased hair fall 3 months later during the exogen (shedding) phase.

If your hair growth cycle is constantly disrupted (for example, not supported with good nutrition, you may find that your hair will not grow as long as it used to. This is because your hairs are never allowed to stay in the anagen phase long enough to reach the desired length.

growth

Diet & nutrition

Having a consistent diet that includes a healthy balance of vitamins, iron, fibre and protein will help regulate your Hair Growth Cycle. You can also incorporate nutritional supplements into your daily routine to add in an extra layer of control.

Minimise stress

Stress can increase the amount of time your hair spends in the ‘resting’ phases of the cycle where new hair isn’t growing. The more you can adopt techniques to minimise and deal with stress, the more your hair will benefit. Read more about stress and its impact on your hair here.

Choose the right hair care products

Products that specifically speak to the needs and demands of your own hair, whether you struggle with hair thinning or limp hair, will help your hairs to make the most of whichever stage they’re in.

Further reading

  • The Hair Structure
  • The Biology of your Hair
  • Vitamin C 101

GOT A QUESTION?

We’re here to help you. If you have any concerns you’d like to discuss, please get in touch, anytime.

I Got My Hair to Grow 4 Inches in 6 Months—Here's How I Gamed the System

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For the majority of my life, I had hair that went past my waist. My hair became part of my identity—I was known for having extremely long hair, and I loved my hair. I’ve cut it off a couple of times and always let it grow back, but in the summer of 2020, I wanted a major change, so I chopped it into a bob . Since then, I’ve been trying to grow it back , but it just hasn’t been growing as fast as I’d like it to thanks to a few too many "maintenance” haircuts and one extremely damaging round of highlights before I took my hair dark. 

After my last haircut in December, I decided to get serious about growing my hair out again. Hair typically grows about six inches a year, or half an inch per month. I am an impatient person, so I tried every hack in the book to get my hair to grow a little bit faster than that, and now that it’s been six months since my last haircut, I can see the results. Here’s every product that I used to intentionally promote my hair growth. Keep reading to find out what worked for me and why.

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The Supplements

Nutrafol + Hair Growth Nutraceuticals

If I had to pick a single thing that promoted my hair growth the most, it would probably be these Nutrafol supplements. I began taking them religiously every day in early March, and not only do I think they've helped accelerate my hair-growth journey, but also my hair has become noticeably stronger. Of course, this is likely a combination of many of the things I've been putting on my hair, but Nutrafol has science and clinical studies backing its efficacy for longer, thicker hair. Compared to any time I've grown my hair out in the past, I noticed less breakage and split ends, even six months after my last haircut. Nutrafol has a patented Synergen Complex with ingredients like ashwagandha, marine collagen peptides, vitamin E, and more that help target hair growth enemies like stress and poor nutrition to ensure your hair has the best possible environment to grow in.

WelleCo + Super Elixir Greens Pineapple and Lime Refill

Call me a TikTok influencer, but I started putting this in my smoothies last year, and I've noticed a vast improvement in my skin, nails, and, of course, hair health. It's packed with plants, herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which not only improve immune function but also lead to healthier and stronger hair, nails, and skin. 

The Masks & Treatments

Christophe Robin + Shade Variation Care

Hair color can severely damage your hair. I've been changing up my hair color for years—I used to highlight it, and now I dye it a few shades darker than my natural color. I love this color on me, but it can fade quickly and get warmer tones that I'm not crazy about if I'm not careful. I use this mask to tone down my hair and keep it a cool-toned color when I need it, which helps prolong the time between hair appointments, which in turn keeps my hair healthier overall. 

Fekkai + Shea Butter Intense Mask

As far as traditional hair masks to impart tons of moisture go, this is my forever favorite. It smells absolutely heavenly—like coconut, musk, toffee, gardenia, and citrus—and feels incredibly rich and luxe on hair. This mask nourishes hair and gives it a major boost of hydration. 

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience + Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

I'm obsessed with how much of a difference K18's leave-in mask makes on my hair. After using it, my hair immediately looks healthier and feels stronger. It's proven to clinically reverse damage thanks to peptide-replenishing technology. It's perfect for anyone who regularly uses bleach, hair color, chemical services, or heat (so, most of us). 

Olaplex + No. 3 Hair Perfector

Olaplex is a hair-growth hero. This weekly hair treatment works by getting deep within the hair and repairing split ends and damage before you shampoo. Like K18, Olaplex helps rebuild bonds in the hair for stronger, healthier hair. I switch off between this and K18 every week to build bonds and strengthen my hair. 

Olaplex + No. 0 Intensive Bond Builder

Olaplex No. 3 works amazingly well on its own, but when I want an extra boost of bond-building, I'll spray my hair with No. 0 before I apply the mask. 

The Leave-Ins

Amika + The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment

This innovative product falls somewhere between a mask and a leave-in treatment, but I typically end up opting to use it as a leave-in. It helps make hair soft and manageable while strengthening and smoothing. 

Olaplex + No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

When Olaplex came out with this lightweight hair serum, I instantly added it to my hair routine. I cycle between different leave-in conditioners, but I nearly always start with this as a base, as it sinks into hair instantly and leaves virtually no residue. It infuses hair with antioxidants to protect it from environmental aggressors like pollutants and heat, and it also helps hair look shiny and detangles for easy styling. 

Ceremonia + Guava Leave in Conditioner

This is without a doubt one of my all-time favorite leave-in conditioners. It has safflower extract, tamarind to hydrate, and avocado to nourish hair while also helping protect it from environmental aggressors. 

Sol de Janeiro + Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner

Sol de Janeiro's newest haircare launch has instantly catapulted itself to the front of my haircare shelf. It helps repair damaged hair. (Plus, it smells divine.)

Ouai + Detangling and Frizz Fighting Leave In Conditioner

This is the leave-in that I reach for when I want frizz and flyaway control. It does such a good job at smoothing hair while providing tons of nourishment with super hydrators panthenol and vitamin E. 

The Styling Products

Olaplex + No. 7 Bonding Oil

If I want to blow-dry my hair, this is my go-to product. It leaves hair incredibly soft and smooth, with minimal flyaways and tons of shine. This oil also helps repair damage and is a heat protectant up to 450ºF. 

Shu Uemura Art of Hair + Shiki Worker Blow Dry Primer

For even more moisture before blow-drying, I'll reach for this blow-dry primer, which has moringa oil to lock in hydration and shine. The best thing about this primer is that it helps hair hold whatever style you want it to, so you don't have to worry about your hair falling flat. 

Philip B + Oud Royal Thermal Spray

If I'm using a hot tool, this is my favorite heat-protectant spray to ensure my hair is safe. It also protects from the sun, so it's a win-win. 

Sachajuan + Dry Powder Shampoo

In my journey to wash my hair less to preserve my color, dry shampoo is always on deck. I have learned through much trial and error, however, that not all dry shampoos are created equal. Many formulas leave my hair dull and give a film of unwanted residue. This one, however, feels totally weightless, absorbs excess oil quickly, and also leaves hair voluminized and lifted. 

Living Proof + Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray

I'll always try to avoid heat styling to preserve my hair color and avoid damage if I can help it, but in between washes, my hair can fall flat. A spritz of this just gives it an extra zhuzh, which is often all I need to feel better about how it looks. 

The Accessories

Terra Ties + Biodegradable Elastic Hair Ties

These hair ties are easy on my hair and don't lead to damage or pulling like others can. 

Slip + Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are a great investment if you want the best hair possible. They make sure you don't wake up with bedhead (no frizz here) and also don't absorb as much product as traditional pillowcases do, so your hair stays hydrated while you sleep. 

Slip + Small Slipsilk Scrunchies

I use these silk scrunchies in my hair because they don't leave a crease like other hair ties. I'll pop them in if I want to preserve my style. 

Wet Brush + Original Detangler Hair Brush

This is my favorite hair brush to use for minimal damage. It detangles hair so well, even if it's in knots. 

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Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping , Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan ; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut ; a social good fellowship at Mashable ; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles . When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.

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hair growth journey

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How to grow your hair out: 6 tips from hairstylists + how to style any awkward phases.

Jamie Schneider

Once you've decided to grow out your short 'do, the transition phase can be a bit grueling to tackle. Whether you've decided to go for the big chop (aka, cutting off all of your relaxed hair to grow out your natural texture) or are over your pixie cut, you may be wondering: How can I grow out my hair, and how long will it take? 

Which is why we want to share everything we've learned about growing out short hair, plus how to style it during those in-between stages. Below, you'll find a bank of hairstylist tips and tricks. 

How long does it take for hair to grow?

Timing does vary from person to person, but hair typically grows half an inch per month on average (if you do the math, that's 6 inches of growth per year), no matter the texture of your strands. Although if you do have curls, you also may have to account for shrinkage: "The hair can deceivingly appear as if it's grown half of that," says texture specialist and artistic director at Matrix Michelle O'Connor. To truly assess your progress, hairstylist Miko Branch , co-founder of natural hair care brand Miss Jessie's , suggests gently stretching your curls with your fingers in order to see the length. 

Of course, if your strands are dry, brittle, and frayed, that could slow the growth quite substantially. That said, a key component of growing out short hair is to help strengthen the hair you have.

6 tips to grow your hair out.

These six tips below are necessary for piling on those inches: 

Decrease your use of hot tools. 

You may be itching to heat-style your hair, lest you encounter an awkward phase or two when embarking on your hair growth journey. While you might want to reach for the trusty blowdryer and blast those strands smooth, those hot tools may do more harm than good when it comes to healthy hair growth. "Avoiding hot tools is a great way to protect your hair from heat damage as it grows," says Nick Stenson , celebrity hairstylist and artistic director at Matrix .

Now, the occasional blow-dry won't blow all your progress (just make sure you always incorporate a thermal protectant), but if you're partial to heat styling each and every day, you might want to cut back and give your hair a break. Branch agrees: " Air-dry is the best dry," she notes.

Wear protective styles.

For those with textured or natural hair, you might want to rely on protective styles, especially as you begin the journey from short to long. As Branch has previously told us about hair growth , "Protective hairstyles are wonderful for growing hair out, transitioning between two different hair textures (i.e., textured versus straightened), minimizing the daily hair routine, covering the ends of hair, and safeguarding natural hair against harsh seasonal elements and damaging environmental factors." 

Think box braids, flat twists, jumbo cornrows, and so much more; just remember to switch out the braids every two to three weeks (this prevents hair breakage, says Branch) and make sure they aren't pulled too tightly—chronic too-tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, a medical condition that causes hair loss.

Moisturize your hair.

You've likely heard it once or twice by now: Healthy hair grows faster. Not only does nourished, conditioned hair appear longer and fuller, but nourishing also prevents breakage and split ends (which, it turns out, can hinder hair growth). That's why hydration is key for transitioning your hair, especially if your tresses are brittle and fragile already. Tending to the strands with treatments (like this softening treatment and this strengthening conditioner ) can help lock in moisture and improve the integrity of your hair. 

Cleanse the scalp.

And in terms of the scalp, cleaning and moisturizing the skin is imperative for healthy hair growth—after all, that growth starts up top in those follicles. When you don't cleanse the scalp effectively, you can accumulate buildup (from dirt, oil, and products) that can actually block the opening of the follicle. "That buildup starts to slowly suffocate your hair root," trained trichologist and hairstylist Shab Reslan has told us , which can limit or affect the quality of hair growth. 

That said, make sure you're cleansing the scalp as needed, with a good shampoo . The specific products may vary, depending on your scalp type (some have drier scalps in need of moisture, others have oily scalps prone to buildup), but everyone needs a gentle wash on the regular.

Try supportive supplements.

Approaching hair growth internally is a great way to promote healthy, long locks (growth stems from inside those follicles, after all). That's where targeted supplements come in, to promote hair growth from the inside out.*

Specifically, "Supplements that contain biotin are a great additional source of nutrients," says O'Connor.* That's because biotin provides the body with specific amino acids that make up keratin, which is what makes up each strand of hair. Research has even shown that low levels of biotin are linked to hair loss 1 .* In addition to that famed B vitamin, collagen can also provide the body with those keratin-building amino acids; perhaps that's why studies have found taking both of these supplements can support hair growth 2 .*

Get regular trims—really! 

OK, so trimming your ends doesn't actually stimulate the hair follicles —but snipping split ends is necessary for staving off breakage, which ultimately can lead to slower growth. Whether you opt for a micro-trim or a hair " dusting " just to eliminate the frays, well, that's up to you. 

But according to Stenson, you may want to choose a regular trim, as it can keep awkward phases to a minimum. "By regularly trimming up the neckline and keeping it manicured for the first few months, [clients] are able to then grow their hair beyond the one length bob with fewer awkward stages," Stenson says. It sounds a bit counterintuitive—shouldn't growing out your hair require fewer trims?—but consider it a necessary tuneup for healthy, even growth. 

How to style your hair as it grows out.

While stashing your hot tools might be best as you grow out a long mane, you can still have fun with styles (and hide any awkward stages, while you're at it). Branch offers more than a few tips to try once you tuck your blowdryer away: "Play with wigs. Switch your hair part from one side to another, or try a middle hair part. Tuck hair under the nape of your neck with pins for a quick bob. Don a stunning high ponytail piece." The world is your oyster. 

O'Connor is also partial to fun hairpieces for transitioning hair, like embellishments and bold headbands. She's also on board with switching up your part: "Side parts are always chic on short hair, regardless of its straight or curly," she adds.

The takeaway. 

While growing out short hair takes some time, there are a host of things to do to speed up the growth process, as well as styling tips to look chic at every stage. To spur growth and minimize in-between, awkward phases, keep these suggestions top of mind for your healthiest head of hair yet.

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19727438
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/

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COMMENTS

  1. The Hair Growth Cycle: 4 Key Stages Explained

    April 11, 2022. The Four Stages of the Hair Growth Cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen & Exogen. Anagen Phase. What is the Anagen Phase? Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, the Anagen Phase is when the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing so more new hair is formed. How much does your hair grow?

  2. How I Grew My Hair 4 Inches in 6 Months

    Basics. Buying Guides. I Got My Hair to Grow 4 Inches in 6 Months—Here's How I Gamed the System. By Katie Berohn. last updated 3 June 2022. (Image credit: @ktberohn) For the majority of my life, I had hair that went past my waist. My hair became part of my identity—I was known for having extremely long hair, and I loved my hair.

  3. 6 Ways to Make Your Hair Grow Faster and Stronger

    1. Keep up with vitamins and nutrients. While many companies promote vitamins or supplements for hair growth, they don’t always directly affect hair length. Your body requires a lot of energy...

  4. How To Grow Your Hair Out: 6 Tips From Hairstylists

    While growing out short hair takes some time, there are a host of things to do to speed up the growth process, as well as styling tips to look chic at every stage. To spur growth and minimize in-between, awkward phases, keep these suggestions top of mind for your healthiest head of hair yet.

  5. 10 Natural Hair Treatment Tips for Hair Growth in 2024

    10 Natural Hair Treatment Tips for Hair Growth in 2024. Massage. Aloe vera. Coconut oil. Viviscal. Fish oil. Ginseng. Onion juice. Rosemary oil. Geranium oil. Lemon. When to see a doctor....