Hair cycle
Every hair on your head goes through a natural cycle of three phases. Understanding this cycle will help you understand why hair grows, falls out, and regrows, and how you can best support your scalp.
The three phases of the hair cycle
Anagen: the growth phase
Lasts 2 to 7 years. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of all scalp hairs are currently in this phase. The cells in the hair root divide very actively, and the hair grows about 1 cm per month.
Catagen: the transition phase
Lasts 2 to 3 weeks. The follicle contracts, and the hair's supply gradually ceases.
Telogen: the resting phase
Lasts about 3 months. The hair detaches and falls out, after which a new cycle begins in the follicle.
Why the anagen phase is crucial
The length of the anagen phase determines the maximum length a hair can reach. It is primarily genetically determined, which is why some people can grow hair down to their hips, while for others it never grows past their shoulders. With age and depending on predisposition, the growth phase can also shorten, making the hair appear finer and less dense.
What influences the hair cycle
The hair cycle reacts to many factors. These six have a particularly significant influence on how strong and thick hair grows:
Scalp stress
Tight hairstyles, aggressive brushing, frequent heat styling, and harsh chemical treatments.
Emotional stress
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can disrupt the cycle.
Nutrition
Too little protein or deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D challenge the hair.
Hormones
Hormonal changes, such as after childbirth or during menopause, affect the cycle.
Lifestyle & Environment
Smoking, alcohol, UV radiation, and environmental pollution stress the scalp and hair.
Age & Predisposition
Genetics and age determine how long and dense hair grows over the years.
How to support your scalp during the growth phase
Care cannot change the genetic blueprint, but it creates good conditions: a well-maintained, balanced scalp and a well-nourished hair root. This is precisely where ONNI products come in. Active ingredients such as Follicusan, caffeine, and nourishing plant extracts supply the scalp and hair root and support an environment in which hair can appear strong, fuller, and denser.
Mild cleansing, regular care, and targeted scalp nourishment are the most important building blocks in every phase of the cycle.
Frequently asked questions about the hair cycle
What is the anagen phase?
The anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair and the first of three cycle phases. In it, the cells of the hair root divide particularly quickly, and the hair grows about 1 cm per month.
How long does a complete hair cycle last?
The complete cycle ranges from about 2 to 7 years of growth (anagen) to 2 to 3 weeks of transition (catagen) to about 3 months of rest (telogen).
How many hairs do you normally lose per day?
Losing about 70 to 100 hairs per day is completely normal. They are at the end of their telogen phase, while new hairs are simultaneously regrowing.
Can you influence the hair cycle with care products?
The genetically determined duration of the phases cannot be changed with cosmetics. However, a healthy, well-nourished scalp creates good conditions for hair that appears strong and dense.
This article serves as general information about hair and scalp. ONNI products are cosmetics and not medicines.
