Transform Your Style: Ace the Alaska Hairdresser and Barber Exam 2026 – Snip, Style, and Shine!

The phase during which hair growth actively occurs is known as the anagen phase. This is the initial and longest phase of the hair growth cycle, where the hair follicle is actively producing new cells, leading to the elongation of the hair strand. During this phase, which can last several years, the hair grows approximately half an inch per month, depending on various factors such as genetics and health.

In contrast, other phases of the hair growth cycle serve different functions. The catagen phase is a transitional period that lasts a few weeks, marking the end of active growth where the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla. The telogen phase is a resting phase in which hair is neither growing nor shedding, lasting several months before the hair finally falls out. The exogen phase is often considered part of the telogen phase, representing the time when the hair is shed from the follicle. Understanding these phases helps professionals in the hair and beauty industry manage clients' hair health and growth expectations effectively.