Anagen is the active phase of the hair (living and growing). The cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly. A new hair is formed and pushes the club hair up the follicle and eventually out. During this phase the hair grows approximately 1 cm every 28 days. A number of people have difficulty growing their hair beyond a certain length due to the short active phase of growth. However, those who have long hair have had a longer active phase of growth.

The Catagen phase is a transitional stage and approximately 3% of all hairs are in this phase. This phase last for about 2 - 3 weeks. During this time growth stops and the outer root sheath shrinks and attaches to the root of the hair. This is known as the formation of club hair.

This is the resting stage , 10 - 15% of all hairs account for this phase, which lasts for about 100 days on the scalp. For a visual of the hair growth cycle, click here.