Have you ever wondered why your hair seems to have a mind of its own, growing at different rates and shedding at seemingly random times? The answer lies in the intricate process known as the hair growth cycle. Understanding this cycle is the key to unlocking the secrets to healthy, luscious locks. 

 

Hair grows in four distinct stages. The first three phases — anagen, catagen, and telogen — cover the growth and maturation of hair as well as the activity of the hair follicles that produce individual hairs. During the final, or exogen phase, “old” hair sheds, though usually a new hair is getting ready to take its place. Each phase has its own timeline, which can be affected by age, nutrition, and overall health. But that means there are steps you can take along the way to help ensure that your hair follows a healthy growth cycle.

 

Hair Cycle Phases

 

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the active phase of the hair growth cycle where hair follicles are in a state of rapid growth. During this phase, your hair follicles are pushing out hairs that will continue to grow until they are cut or reach the end of their lifespan and fall out. The longest phase of the cycle, it can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years for the hairs on your head. The longer the anagen phase, the longer your hair can grow.

 

Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase): After the anagen phase, hair follicles enter the catagen phase, a transitional period marked by the end of hair growth. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla (bottom of follicle), cutting off its blood supply. The catagen phase typically lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks and only about 5% of the hairs on your head are in this phase at any given time.

 

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): The final phase of the hair growth cycle is the telogen phase, also known as the resting phase. Hair doesn’t grow during this phase, but it doesn’t fall out either. It’s also when new hairs start to form in follicles that have released their hair during the catagen phase. The telogen phase lasts for approximately 3 to 4 months before the cycle repeats itself. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of your hairs are in this phase.

 

Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase):

The exogen phase is essentially an extension of the telogen stage of hair growth. (Some experts consider the telogen phase the shedding phase while others have divided it into two stages.) During the exogen phase, hair is shed from the scalp, often helped by washing and brushing. Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day during the exogen phase is normal. The exogen phase can last anywhere from 2 to 5 months and during this phase, new hairs are growing in the follicles as old hairs fall away.

 

While healthy hair depends on genetics and hormones, you can help the process by practicing a few tactics that support the hair growth cycle. Things like good nutrition and a healthy diet, staying hydrated, reducing stress and proper hair care help promote healthy hair growth. Another way to support the hair cycle is with Glotrition’s Hydrate Gummiceutical! Hydrate not only supports skin health but has been clinically proven to improve hair health significantly by revitalizing hair strength, density, elasticity, volume and overall condition.

 

One of Hydrate’s key ingredients, Ceramosides, is a cutting-edge hair growth ingredient that allows the stimulation and extension of the anagen growth phase. Ceramosides is a unique active ingredient derived from wheat, highly concentrated in phytoceramides and a booster of ceramide efficacy. Ceramides are key to the formation of intracellular lipids and act as a barrier for skin and hair cuticle protection. They play a critical role in strengthening the hair fiber by ensuring the cohesion of hair cells which reduce breakage and can impact the improvement of hair growth.

 

In a randomized study performed on 60 female subjects with supplementation of 30mg of Ceramosides® Phytoceramide Extract (the exact ingredient and amount in Hydrate Gummies!) showed improved hair growth during the anagen phase pf the hair growth cycle with an average of 11,000 new hairs in 3 months. 

 

The hair growth cycle is a complex process influenced by various factors including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle habits. By understanding the stages of hair growth and adopting healthy hair care practices like supplementation with Hydrate Gummiceutical, you can promote optimal hair health and achieve the luscious locks you've always dreamed of. Every day will be a good hair day and your stylist will be asking you for hair tips!