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Hair Follicle Cycling

Meaning

Hair follicle cycling is the highly regulated, lifelong process of growth, regression, and rest that every hair follicle undergoes independently. This biological cycle is fundamental to maintaining hair density and scalp health, involving three distinct phases: anagen (growth), catagen (regression), and telogen (rest). The duration of these phases varies significantly across different body regions and is tightly controlled by local and systemic hormonal signals. Disruptions to this delicate cycling process are a primary cause of common conditions like pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium.