The Hair Growth Cycle The human hair growth cycle consists of 4 phases. The Anagen phase ( growth), the Catagen phase (transition), the Telogen phase (resting) and the final phase known as exogen or the hair shaft evacuation phase. The Anagen Phase - During the process of folliculo-regenesis, the follicle, the epithelial sheath and the new hair shaft is recreated. The duration of the growth phase (anagen) varies considerably from 2-7 years approx. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. During the anagen phase the hair shaft continues to grow at a rate 0.5cm - 1.45cm per month approx. Approximately 80-85% of hair follicles are in the anagen phase. The human head contains approximately 100,000 hairs follicles capable of producing a hair. The Catagen Phase - during the catagen phase mitosis ceases and the follicle degenerates. The Catagen phase accounts for approximately 3% of hair follicles. The Epithelial sheath shrinks forming a minute "club root" at the proximal end of the hair shaft. Catagen lasts for approximately 10-20 days. The Telogen Phase - approximately 12-20% of hair shafts are in the amitotic (resting) phase. Eventually (up to 3 months ) the hair shaft naturally vacates the follicle. Combing and hair washing are appropriate methods of assisting the removal of unwanted hair leafing the new anagen hairs to push through. The Exogen Phase - in which the hair shaft is evacuated. The following conditions relate to the growth cycle. The following information is not designed to aid self diagnosis. ANAGEN / TELOGEN Effluvium Anagen Effluvium - hair shedding during the anagen phase - the onset may well be rapid often occurring within 2-4 weeks of the cause. The amount of hair loss tends to be severe. Causes include:- Chemotherapy drugs (antimitotic agents), Radiotherapy, Malnutrition, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Oral contraceptives, Vitamin A poisoning, Iron deficiency, Chronic infections and some drugs. It should be noted that massive hair shedding is a representation of the body undergoing enormous stress. Professional advice must be undertaken. Telogen Effluvium - relating to a specific diffuse form of alopecia in which the hair shafts are evicted prematurely from the anagen phase into telogen. The amount of hair shedding may vary but can be excessive. Telogen Effluvium tends to become apparent 6-12 weeks following the cause. In extreme cases the hairloss results in a 1-2cm stubble within weeks. Causes include: Pyrexia (body temperature reaching 103.5 C +), Childbirth (considered rare), severe infection (especially toxaemia), major surgery, protein deficiency caused by crash diets or starvation, drugs including beta blockers, anti-depressants, severe psychological stress. Telogen Effluvium may cause sudden hairloss which would account of an acute form. The Chronic Telogen Effluvium tends to be slow acting and may take months or even longer for the patient to realise there is a problem. The above conditions are but a few of the huge number of causes of hairloss. If you are suffering from hairloss, professional advice is advised. The team at HT-Heathcare are able to offer advice and if appropriate, treatment for the above conditions. If you would like to speak with at trichologist in person on the phone please contact the helpline right of page. Alternatively, you can use this number to arrange a consultation. Please note that our team will make every effort to assist you over the phone, however we cannot diagnose without seeing you in person.
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The team at The Afro Hair & Scalp Clinic