You are here:About>Health>Skin & Beauty
About.comSkin & Beauty
 Anagen Phase
<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>

Definition: Anagen is the active growth phase of hair follicles. The cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly, adding to the hair shaft.
Related Terms
• Catagen Phase
• Telogen Phase
During this phase the hair grows about 1 cm every 28 days. Scalp hair stays in this active phase of growth for 2-6 years. The amount of time the hair follicle stays in the anagen phase is genetically determined. At the end of the anagen phase an unknown signal causes the follicle to go into the catagen phase.

Pronunciation: ANN-uh-jin

Related Resources:

The Biology of Hair
Find out more about the structure and function of hair.

Hair Removal Methods
What you need to know about the different methods used to remove hair and their effectiveness.

Hair Loss Links
Links to information about the different types of hair loss.

Excess Hair Links
Links to information about excess hair or hirsutism.

About Hair
Links to general and specialized information about all aspects of hair.


<Back to Last Page> <Full Glossary>
From Heather Brannon, MD,
Your Guide to Skin & Beauty.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
Related Sites

BeautyplasticsurgeryWomen's HealthMen's Health

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
More from About, Inc.: Calorie Count Plus | UCompareHealthCare
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Corrections | Privacy Policy		©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.