Hair Growth Phases

Meaning

Hair Growth Phases describe the natural, gentle progression each individual strand takes through its life cycle: anagen, the active period of lengthening; catagen, a brief, transitional pause; telogen, the quiet resting stage; and exogen, where strands naturally release to make way for new growth. For those with textured hair, recognizing these inherent rhythms offers a calm clarity regarding perceived length and density. This foundational understanding enables a structured approach to hair care, shifting routines from guesswork to a deliberate alignment with the hair’s own biological timing. Acknowledging these distinct phases allows individuals with coils and kinks to differentiate between expected, gentle shedding and any true breakage, guiding their handling and styling choices with quiet confidence. Applying this knowledge practically helps to refine daily practices, ensuring that care for Black and mixed-race hair honors its unique journey, promoting its vitality through informed and patient attention.