Hair growth, a complex mechanism

In both women and men, hair growth depends on multiple factors: genetic heritage, age, sex, hormones, lifestyle and even environment. Understanding the hair cycle is essential to know how to optimize hair growth.

The three phases of the hair cycle

1. The anagen phase: active growth

  • This is the phase when the hair actually grows.

  • Follicle bulb cells divide rapidly.

  • It lasts 3 to 6 years, depending on the individual.

  • 85 to 90% of hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.

  • Average growth: 0.3 mm per day (about 1 cm per month).

2. The catagen phase: transition

  • A phase of transitional rest that lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

  • The hair stops growing and gradually detaches from its follicle.

  • About 1% of hair is in this phase at any given time.

3. The telogen phase: rest before shedding

  • The follicle enters a resting state for 1 to 6 months (on average 3 months).

  • At the end of this phase, the hair naturally falls out to make way for a new cycle.

  • About 10 to 15% of hair is in the telogen phase.

Factors that influence hair growth

The speed and quality of hair growth depend on:

  • Diet: adequate intake of proteins, vitamins (A, B, C, E) and minerals (zinc, iron, magnesium) is essential.

  • Hormones: pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal imbalances can affect hair density.

  • Age: growth naturally slows down over the years.

  • Lifestyle: stress, fatigue, pollution, smoking… can weaken hair.

  • Hair care: a healthy scalp promotes strong, shiny hair.

How to stimulate your hair growth?

  • Adopt a varied and balanced diet.

  • Avoid stress and ensure restorative sleep.

  • Regularly massage your scalp to stimulate microcirculation.

  • Use gentle care products suited to your hair type.

  • As a complement, consider specific hair dietary supplements, based on keratin, vitamins, and minerals.

👉 By combining these good practices, you maximize your chances of regaining dense and vigorous hair.

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  2. Stenn KS, Paus R. Controls of hair follicle cycling. Physiol Rev. 2001.

  3. Trueb RM. The normal hair cycle and hair loss. Clin Dermatol. 2001.

  4. Courtois M. et al. Hair cycle and growth rate in relation to the follicle population. Br J Dermatol. 1994.

  5. Sinclair R. Diffuse hair loss. Int J Dermatol. 1999.

  6. Rushton DH. Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002.