In order to maintain a healthy hair, it is necessary to know about the different cycles of hair growth
. The various phases of the hair growth cycle are a) The growth cycle b) The resting phase c) Shedding phase. Each hair strand on the head is undergoing any one of the three phases of its life. Well discuss them briefly.
As the name denotes, growing phase is the period during which the hair grows from the root and reaches its full length. It is lengthier than the other phases of the life cycle. At a time, about 90% of the hair on your head will be in the growing phase. The growing phase determines the maximum length a hair can grow. A single growing phase can be between 3 to 7 years. And a single hair strand can grow to about .5 inch per month. So approximately a hair can grow from 18inch to 42 inch to the maximum, if not trimmed or broken.
Next is the resting phase. This is the 2nd phase of the growth cycle. During this phase, the hair does not grow but the hair follicle still holds the hair in it. It is a stationary phase. This period lasts for 2-3 weeks. Around 4% of your hair will be at this phase during a particular period of time. By this time the hair gets ready to enter the shedding phase.
Shedding of hair is a natural process. But some consider it as a problem. About 50-100 hair shed each day. During this phase the hair follicles push the hair out of it. Some of the hair tend to stay there. They come out when combed or brushed. About 2% of the total hair on your head will be in the shedding phase at a time.
Some worry a lot when they see their hair shed. It is quite normal and there is nothing to worry about. The hair on your head will either be in the growing phase, or in the resting phase or in the shedding phase.