You’ve heard of the anagen phase, but what is it?
*Photo courtesy of Karen Eliot
The active phase of scalp hair growth, also known as the anagen phase, can last between two to eight years, depending on the person. While the hair is in the anagen phase, you can expect the hair to grow about a half an inch every month. The length of the anagen phase determines the potential length of hair growth. That is the reason that people who have a short anagen phase are unable to grow their hair past a certain length. At any point, almost 90% of our hair is in the anagen phase.
The development of the hair
There is cellular activity in the hair follicle long before the hair ever becomes visible; this cellular activity marks the start of the anagen phase. The dermal papilla begins to take shape when the anagen phase starts and the hair follicle begins to grow. The dermal papilla provides the structure that controls hair growth.
The color of the hair
The dermal papilla level has many keratin cells divide and die at a rapid pace. This produces a large cone of dead cells that are eventually going to form our hair. During this time of the growth process, the melanocytes become active. These are responsible for the production of melanin – color cells. Both the keratin cells and melanin become interspersed with one another and form the layers of our hair.
The growth of our hair
Remember that hair growth takes place on a cellular level. The cells that surround the dermal papilla split and die at a rapid pace, which forms the hair shaft. These dead cells make up the hair shaft’s three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. All of this takes place directly underneath the hair shaft, in the hair follicle.
Disrupting the anagen phase
Even though the anagen phase is supposed to run between two to eight years, it is possible for it to become disrupted. Certain hair-removal procedures, scalp infection, a number of medications, hormones, poor diet, stress, illness, and trauma to the hair-forming structures can lead to the production phase stopping altogether and forcing the hair follicle into a resting state. That is when the hair becomes thinner and hair loss may occur.
Trademarks of the anagen phase
During this period, the following is true about our hair:
• The hair is growing continuously
• It grows at a speed of approximately half an inch a month
• The hair bulb produces the hair pigment
• There is an actively blood supply to the hair, providing both minerals and nutrients
• Our hair looks nourished and thick
Our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, we recommend you work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. Toji: Pure Density is designed to support healthy hair growth, and comes with a 3-bottle guarantee. Yes – this means you can try it for 3 months, and if you don’t grow faster, thicker, longer hair we will gladly provide you a complete, 100% money back, refund . For more info, check out our site: www.tojilife.com.
Our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, we recommend you work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. Toji: Pure Density is designed to support healthy hair growth, and comes with a 3-bottle guarantee. Yes – this means you can try it for 3 months, and if you don’t grow faster, thicker, longer hair we will gladly provide you a complete, 100% money back, refund . For more info, check out our site: www.tojilife.com.