Understanding the four stages of hair growth is essential if you are experiencing thinning, shedding, or changes in hair density. The hair growth cycle directly affects hair thickness, length, and overall scalp health. By learning how the cycle works, you can better support healthy hair growth and recognise when something may be out of balance.
In Australia, many people seek solutions for hair loss without fully understanding how the hair growth cycle functions. Let's break down the four stages of hair growth and what they mean for your scalp and hair health.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Each hair on your scalp grows from a follicle and follows a continuous biological cycle. At any given time, different hairs are in different phases. This is why shedding some hair daily is completely normal.
The four stages of hair growth are:
- Anagen
- Catagen
- Telogen
- Exogen
Each stage plays a critical role in maintaining hair density and supporting regrowth.
Stage 1: Anagen Phase – The Growth Stage
The anagen phase is the active growth stage of hair, when the hair follicle is fully functioning and producing new hair fibres.
How long does the anagen phase last?
The anagen phase can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years. Genetics largely determine how long this stage continues, which is why some people can grow very long hair while others cannot.
Around 85 to 90 percent of your scalp hairs are typically in the anagen phase at any one time.
Why is the anagen phase important?
The longer a hair remains in anagen, the longer and thicker it can grow. Shortened anagen phases are often associated with certain types of hair thinning and pattern hair loss.
Supporting scalp health during this phase is key to maintaining strong, resilient hair.
Stage 2: Catagen Phase – The Transition Stage
The catagen phase is a short transitional stage that signals the end of active growth.
During this phase:
- Hair growth slows
- The hair follicle shrinks
- The hair detaches from its blood supply
Only about 1 percent of your hairs are in the catagen phase at any time, and it typically lasts around 2 to 3 weeks.
This stage is a natural part of the cycle and not something to be concerned about.
Stage 3: Telogen Phase – The Resting Stage
The telogen phase is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle. The follicle remains inactive, and the hair does not continue growing.
This stage lasts approximately 3 to 4 months. Around 10 to 15 percent of your scalp hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time.
What happens during telogen?
The hair remains anchored in the follicle but is no longer actively growing. A new hair is often beginning to form beneath it, preparing to push the old hair out.
An increased number of hairs entering the telogen phase at once can result in noticeable shedding. This condition is often referred to as telogen effluvium and can be triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.
Stage 4: Exogen Phase – The Shedding Stage
The exogen phase is when the old hair sheds from the scalp.
It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day during this phase. This shedding makes room for new hair growth as the cycle begins again with a fresh anagen phase.
If you notice excessive shedding, thinning patches, or changes in density, it may indicate that more hairs are entering exogen at the same time.
What Can Disrupt the Hair Growth Cycle?
Several factors can influence the four stages of hair growth, including:
- Hormonal changes
- Chronic stress
- Illness or surgery
- Poor nutrition
- Ageing
- Genetic predisposition
When the growth phase shortens or more hairs shift into resting and shedding phases simultaneously, visible thinning can occur.
Supporting Healthy Hair Growth
While you cannot completely change your genetic hair growth cycle, you can support scalp and follicle health through balanced nutrition, managing stress levels, maintaining good scalp hygiene, and using the right products from our men's hair care range.
If you are shopping for women, explore our women's hair care range for products formulated to support the female hair growth cycle.
- Balanced nutrition
- Managing stress levels
- Maintaining good scalp hygiene
- Seeking early advice if you notice increased shedding
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, especially when dealing with progressive hair thinning.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you are experiencing persistent hair loss, patchy thinning, or sudden shedding, it is important to seek professional guidance. Understanding which stage of the hair growth cycle is affected can help determine the most suitable treatment pathway.
At REGROW AU, we focus on identifying the underlying causes of hair loss and providing personalised treatment plans tailored to your stage of hair growth.
If you are concerned about thinning hair or changes in your hair density, our team can assess your scalp health and help you take proactive steps toward restoring confidence in your hair.
Start With the Right Foundation
Understanding the four stages of hair growth is the first step toward making informed decisions about your hair health and if you are ready to take action, our hair growth starter packs are a great place to begin, with bundles designed to support your scalp from the very first wash.
A clean, healthy scalp is the foundation for everything. When follicles are clogged or irritated, even the most active anagen phase can be compromised. That is why maintaining good scalp hygiene is one of the most practical steps you can take right now.
Our REGROW Men's Shampoo is Australian-made and science-backed, formulated with saw palmetto, caffeine, biotin, and niacinamide to help cleanse the scalp, support circulation, and reduce hair fall: without sulphates, parabens, or silicones. It is designed to work with your hair growth cycle, not against it.
If you are ready to give your scalp the support it needs from the very first step, explore the REGROW Men's Shampoo and see how it fits into your daily routine.
