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Anagen Phase
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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.


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