What is the life cycle of hair?

Like the rest of the human body, hair growth does not occur indefinitely, that is, it has a lifetime: it is born, grows and dies, giving way to new hair. In fact, throughout the day, a person loses between 80 and 100 hairs. So far, all normal, as long as the cycle is not altered.

The average life of each new hair is between two and seven years. Each hair grows in a follicular unit and each of them has its own cycle, independent of the rest. This prevents visible hair loss, as if everyone were in sync, there would be times when you would be completely bald and other times with a full head of hair. In fact, to ensure that there is always enough hair, it is estimated that 85% is always in the growth phase , while the remaining 15% is in a state of rest.

The hair life cycle is made up of three stages.

Anagen or growth phase:

It is the one in which hair growth begins. It is the longest period. Its duration is on average three years, although depending on each case, it can be between two and seven years. During this phase, the hair is attached to the papilla, then it is born and grows, without stopping, since the cells of the hair follicle matrix are constantly fragmenting. It increases one centimeter a month and makes it strong, thick and healthy.

Catagen or transition phase:

It’s three weeks after which hair stops growing. The cells of the follicle matrix no longer divide, and the root shrinks to one-third of its original size. The hair detaches from the papilla, moving up the scalp.

Telogen or resting phase:

This is when hair loss occurs. Its duration is three months. Sometimes hair follicles go into a dormant state and remain dormant for two to five weeks. Hair falls out when we brush or wash it. At the end of this, the cycle begins again with a new anagen stage.

Factors that influence the life cycle of hair

Each of the hair follicles generates new hair in its growth phase. They have between 25 and 30 cycles throughout their lives. However, these may be affected at some point depending on certain factors, such as seasonal changes, genetics, eating habits or changes in the body, such as stress or pregnancy.

However, it can also be lost for other reasons, such as the consumption of certain medications, such as those containing vitamin A that are used to eliminate acne or drugs to lower cholesterol. In addition, variations in the thyroid gland, both in cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, cause chronic and diffuse hair loss, increasing the telogen phase and delaying the anagen phase.

Did you know that variations in the thyroid gland, both in cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, cause chronic and diffuse hair loss, increasing the telogen phase and delaying the anagen phase?

In any case, if any of these cases occur, it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet , as well as use a fortifying shampoo without sulfates, silicones or parabens , to avoid having any type of alopecia. If, despite this, hair loss continues, the professional team of Doctor Antonio Burgos will be able to resolve all doubts and offer a personalized solution to each hair problem.

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