Wellness
The Catagen Phase Explained
Learn about the catagen phase, the critical transitional stage in the hair growth cycle, and its role in hair thinning and overall scalp health.
What is it?
The catagen phase is the second stage in the hair growth cycle, acting as a short transition between the anagen (growth) and telogen (resting) phases. Lasting only about two weeks, this is a period of regression for the hair follicle. During this time, hair growth stops, the follicle shrinks significantly, and it detaches from its blood supply, the dermal papilla. This process turns the hair into a "club hair" as it prepares to eventually be shed. At any given moment, only about 1-5% of your hairs are in the catagen phase.
Why is it trending?
With a growing focus on the science behind beauty and wellness, understanding the entire hair growth cycle has become crucial for addressing common concerns like hair thinning. The catagen phase, though brief, is a vital regulatory step. Disruptions in this transition are increasingly linked to premature hair shedding. As consumers become more educated, they seek products and treatments that support not just hair strands, but the health of the follicles and the balance of the growth cycle, making the catagen phase a key point of interest.
How does it affect people?
For most, the catagen phase is an unnoticeable part of healthy hair renewal. However, factors like stress, poor nutrition, hormonal shifts, and scalp conditions can disrupt the cycle, forcing more hairs than usual into the catagen phase prematurely. This can accelerate hair shedding and lead to noticeable thinning, a condition known as telogen effluvium. A healthy, undisrupted catagen phase is essential for maintaining a balanced hair cycle, allowing the follicle to properly reset before it enters the resting phase and eventually begins a new growth phase.