Understanding the hair growth cycle and factors that affect your hair

🌿 Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Why knowing how your hair grows can help you care for it better

When I’m in the salon, conversations often turn to hair concerns—especially thinning hair. Many clients have never heard of the hair growth cycle, yet understanding it can make a big difference when choosing the right care or setting realistic expectations for growth.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s simple, clear, and genuinely helpful.

🔄 The Four Stages of the Hair Growth Cycle

1. Anagen Phase – The Growth Stage

Hair cells at the root divide rapidly to form the hair shaft.

Lasts 2–7 years depending on genetics.

Determines how long your hair can grow.

Around 80–90% of your hair is in this phase at any time.

2. Catagen Phase – The Transition Stage

A short stage lasting just a few weeks.

Hair growth stops while the follicle changes.

Approximately 3% of hair is in this phase.

3. Telogen Phase – The Resting Stage

Lasts up to 3 months.

Accounts for 10–15% of your hair.

4. Exogen Phase – The Shedding Stage

Hair naturally releases from the scalp.

You’ll notice this in your brush, shower, or on the floor.

Normal hair loss is 50–100 hairs per day.

⭐ Factors That Influence the Hair Growth Cycle

Understanding these can help explain why hair grows differently for each person.

🧬 Genetics

Determines the maximum length hair can reach.

If you’ve never had long hair or no one in your family has, genetics may be the reason.

Some products may support growth conditions, but genetics ultimately decide hair length.

🩺 Health

Stress or illness can trigger Telogen Effluvium, where 30%+ of scalp hair sheds a few months after the trigger.

Medical treatments like immunotherapy or radiotherapy can reduce follicle diameter, resulting in finer strands.

🔁 Hormones

Changes in hormone levels can significantly affect the hair follicle, especially during:

Pregnancy

Post‑partum

Thyroid disorders

Menopause

Hormones reach each follicle via its blood supply, so shifts often show up in your hair.

🥗 Nutrition

Hair thrives on essential nutrients like:

Biotin

Iron

Protein

Healthy fats

Even with a balanced diet, your body may sometimes need additional support if absorption is affected.

🧖‍♀️ Scalp Health

A healthy scalp creates the right conditions for healthy hair.

Issues like dandruff, inflammation, and excess oil can impact hair follicles. Helpful scalp‑care methods include:

Warm olive oil massage to nourish the scalp and stimulate blood flow.

Tea tree steam treatment (warm flannel soaked in water with a few drops of tea tree oil) — especially soothing for hair thinning or loss due to medical treatments.

I also offer a scalp wellness appointment, which includes Malibu Scalp Therapy Crystals to nourish the scalp, soothe dryness, and help with psoriasis.