The natural hair growth cycle is the continuous process through which every hair follicle grows a strand of hair, pauses, rests and eventually releases it before beginning again.

This means that seeing some hair in your brush, on your clothes or in the shower is not automatically a sign of hair loss. Natural hair shedding is an essential part of healthy hair renewal, with most people losing approximately 50 to 100 hairs each day.

Every follicle works independently, so the hairs on your head are never all growing or shedding at the same time. Understanding this cycle can help explain why hair sometimes appears to grow slowly, why periods of increased shedding occur and why genuine improvements in hair length and density require patience.

What Is the Hair Growth Cycle?

The hair growth cycle describes the biological stages that each individual hair follicle moves through repeatedly.

There are four recognised hair growth phases:

1. Anagen, the active growth phase

2. Catagen, the transition phase

3. Telogen, the resting phase

4. Exogen, the shedding phase

At any given moment, most scalp hairs are actively growing, while a smaller proportion are resting or preparing to shed. Because each follicle follows its own timetable, normal shedding is dispersed across the scalp rather than happening all at once.

PHASE	WHAT HAPPENS	TYPICAL DURATION
Anagen	The follicle actively produces a new hair fibre.	Approximately 2-7 years
Catagen	Growth stops and the follicle begins to shrink.	Approximately 2-4 weeks
Telogen	The follicle rests while the hair remains in place.	Approximately 2-4 months
Exogen	The old hair is naturally released.	Occurs as the next cycle begins

 

These timings are approximate. Genetics, age, health, hormones and the location of the follicle all influence how long each stage lasts.

The Four Stages of Hair Growth

1.       The anagen phase

Anagen is the longest stage of the hair growth cycle. During this phase, cells within the follicle divide rapidly, producing the keratinised fibre we recognise as hair.

Approximately 85 to 90 per cent of scalp hairs are usually in the anagen phase. A scalp follicle may continue producing hair for several years before entering the next stage.

The length of your anagen phase plays an important role in determining how long your hair can become. Someone with a longer genetically determined growth phase may find it relatively easy to grow very long hair, while another person’s hair may naturally complete its growth phase sooner.

This does not necessarily mean their hair has stopped growing. It may simply reach the end of its individual cycle and shed before achieving the same length.

2.       The catagen phase

Catagen is a brief transitional stage.

Active hair production stops, and the lower part of the follicle begins to shrink. The hair separates from its nourishing blood supply and becomes what is known as a club hair.

Only a small percentage of scalp hairs are in catagen at any one time. This stage generally lasts a few weeks before the follicle enters its resting period.

3.       The telogen phase

During telogen, the follicle is relatively inactive and the hair no longer grows. However, the strand generally remains anchored in place for several weeks or months.

Beneath it, the follicle is preparing for the next growth cycle. A new anagen hair may begin to form below the resting strand.

Around 10 to 15 per cent of scalp hairs may be in telogen at a given time, although this proportion can increase following illness, significant stress, childbirth, hormonal changes or other physical pressures on the body.

4.       The exogen phase

Exogen is the release or shedding stage.

The resting hair loosens and falls away, often during washing, brushing or ordinary daily movement. As the old hair is released, a new strand can continue emerging from the follicle beneath it.

Exogen is therefore not a failure of growth. It is a normal and necessary part of hair renewal.

Is Hair Shedding Normal?

Yes. Natural hair shedding is completely normal.

Most people lose approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day, although counting individual hairs is rarely practical or helpful. The amount you notice can vary depending on your hair length, texture, washing frequency and styling routine.

For example, someone who washes their hair once or twice a week may see more strands come away on wash day because hairs that have already been released have remained caught among the surrounding hair.

Long or dark hairs can also look more dramatic in the shower than short or fine hairs, even when the number shed is within a normal range.

Temporary variations may also occur following:

• Emotional or physical stress
• Fever or significant illness
• Surgery
• Childbirth
• Rapid weight loss
• Hormonal changes
• Changes in medication
• Nutritional deficiency

Hair Shedding, Hair Breakage and Hair Loss

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things.

Hair shedding occurs when a complete strand is released from the follicle as part of the growth cycle.

Hair breakage happens when the hair fibre snaps somewhere along its length. It may be associated with dryness, bleaching, heat damage, friction, tight styling or rough handling.

Hair loss is a broader term that can refer to excessive shedding, progressive thinning, patterned loss, autoimmune conditions or damage to the follicle.

Hair breakage can make the hair appear thinner, but it does not necessarily mean the follicle has stopped growing.

Why Does Hair Sometimes Shed More?

Sometimes a greater-than-usual number of follicles enter telogen at approximately the same time. This can lead to diffuse shedding across the scalp several months later.

This response is often known as telogen effluvium. Potential triggers include:

• Significant emotional stress
• Acute illness or high fever
• COVID-19 or another serious infection
• Surgery
• Pregnancy and postpartum hormonal changes
• Menopause
• Rapid or substantial weight loss
• Restrictive dieting
• Low protein intake
• Iron deficiency
• Thyroid conditions
• Certain medicines

Telogen effluvium is often temporary, but identifying and addressing the trigger matters. Persistent thinning can also have other causes, including genetic female or male pattern hair loss.

Speak to your GP if shedding is sudden, severe, patchy, accompanied by scalp pain or inflammation, or continues for more than six months.

How Fast Does Hair Grow?

 Scalp hair commonly grows at an average rate of around one centimetre per month, or approximately 12 centimetres per year. This is only an average and should not be treated as a personal target.

Hair growth rate can be influenced by:

• Genetics
• Age
• Hormonal changes
• General health
• Nutrition
• Illness
• Medication
• The duration of the individual’s anagen phase

Curly and coily hair may appear to grow more slowly because the length follows a curved pattern and is affected by shrinkage. The actual follicular growth rate may be perfectly normal.

Breakage can also disguise progress. Your roots may be growing steadily, but if fragile ends are breaking at a similar rate, the overall length may appear unchanged.

Can You Make Hair Grow Faster?

There is no cosmetic product or home remedy proven to override your genetically determined hair cycle and dramatically accelerate normal follicular growth.

However, you can reduce some of the obstacles that prevent hair from retaining length and looking its healthiest.

Supporting your body with balanced nutrition

Hair is primarily made from keratin, a type of protein. Eating a varied, balanced diet containing sufficient protein, iron and essential nutrients supports normal bodily function, including hair production.

Avoid taking high-dose hair supplements without professional advice. More is not necessarily better, and excessive amounts of certain nutrients can be harmful or even contribute to hair loss.

A GP can arrange appropriate tests if symptoms suggest iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction or another underlying issue.

Prioritise sleep and stress management

Chronic stress and disrupted sleep can affect many aspects of physical wellbeing. Helpful practices may include regular movement, walking, yoga, mindfulness, time outdoors and creating a consistent sleep routine.

These habits are not instant hair-growth treatments. They support overall health and may help reduce the impact of stress on the body.

Treat the hair fibre gently

To help retain the length you grow:

• Detangle gently, beginning at the ends
• Avoid repeatedly pulling hair into very tight styles
• Reduce excessive heat where possible
• Use heat protection before heated styling
• Condition the mid-lengths and ends regularly
• Avoid vigorous towel drying
• Protect fragile hair from unnecessary friction
• Introduce chemical treatments carefully

Regular trims do not make hair grow faster from the scalp. They can, however, remove splitting ends before the damage travels further up the fibre, helping the hair retain a healthier appearance.

Why Scalp Health Matters

The scalp is the living skin from which each hair follicle emerges. Keeping it clean and comfortable is an important part of a balanced haircare routine.

Regular cleansing helps remove excess oil, sweat, environmental debris and styling-product build-up. The appropriate washing frequency will vary according to scalp condition, hair texture, lifestyle and product use.

A healthy scalp routine should not involve aggressive scrubbing or attempting to “train” the scalp by leaving it unwashed despite discomfort. It should focus on effective yet comfortable cleansing.

Persistent itching, soreness, heavy flaking, inflammation or lesions should not simply be disguised with cosmetic products. These symptoms may need assessment by a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist.

Scalp care cannot change the length of your anagen phase, but maintaining a clean, comfortable scalp and avoiding damaging practices supports a healthier haircare environment.

Supporting Healthy Hair with Moo & Yoo

Healthy haircare cannot cure hair loss, change genetics or control the biological hair growth cycle. What it can do is improve the condition of the existing hair, reduce avoidable breakage and help the scalp feel clean and comfortably cared for.

Created by salon professionals, Moo & Yoo offers luxury, salon-quality haircare designed with both performance and responsibility in mind. Our formulas are vegan, cruelty-free and sulphate-free, using carefully selected ingredients to cleanse, hydrate and condition without compromising the sensory experience of professional haircare.

The Moo & Yoo Miracle Shampoo provides gentle, effective cleansing, while the Miracle Conditioner helps replenish moisture and improve manageability. For hair that feels dry, stressed or fragile, the Miracle Hair Mask offers more intensive conditioning, while Miracle Milk helps detangle, soften and protect the hair during heat styling.

Across the collection, key ingredients include:

Marula Oil, which contains fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidant compounds. It helps condition dry hair, improve softness and protect the fibre from the visible effects of environmental and styling stress.

Icelandic Moss, selected for its conditioning and moisturising qualities, helping support a comfortable, hydrated hair and scalp routine.

Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, which helps reinforce the hair fibre, improve the feel of elasticity and reduce the appearance of damage and breakage.

These ingredients do not stimulate follicles or create new hair growth. Instead, they help protect the hair you already have, allowing it to feel stronger, smoother and more resilient as it moves through its natural life cycle.

Hair Growth Myths and Facts

Myth: Cutting your hair makes it grow faster

Fact: Trimming does not affect the follicle beneath the scalp. It removes worn or split ends, which may help the hair look thicker and retain length more successfully.

Myth: Brushing 100 times a day stimulates growth

Fact: Excessive brushing can create friction and breakage. Brush only as much as needed, using gentle pressure and a suitable tool.

Myth: Hair in the shower means shampoo is causing hair loss

Fact: Washing often releases hairs that have already completed the cycle. However, scalp irritation or significant ongoing shedding should be investigated rather than ignored.

Myth: Everyone loses exactly 100 hairs per day

Fact: Fifty to 100 hairs is a broad estimate, not a compulsory daily number. Normal varies according to the individual and their routine.

FAQ’s

What is the natural hair growth cycle?

It is the repeating process through which each follicle actively produces hair, transitions, rests and eventually sheds the strand. Its four commonly described stages are anagen, catagen, telogen and exogen.

How long does the anagen phase last?

For scalp hair, anagen commonly lasts several years. Its duration varies significantly between individuals and is strongly influenced by genetics, which helps determine potential maximum hair length.

How much hair shedding is normal?

Losing approximately 50 to 100 hairs each day is generally considered normal. You may notice more on wash day, particularly if you wash infrequently or have long hair.

How fast does hair grow?

Scalp hair grows by roughly one centimetre per month on average. Individual growth differs, and curl pattern, shrinkage and breakage can affect how quickly new length becomes visible.

Can you speed up hair growth?

There is no guaranteed cosmetic method for dramatically accelerating normal follicular growth. Balanced nutrition, addressing deficiencies, managing health conditions and reducing breakage can help hair achieve its natural potential.

Does trimming make hair grow faster?

No. Hair is produced in the follicle, so cutting the ends cannot affect its growth rate. Trimming can prevent split ends worsening and help maintain healthier-looking length.

Can stress affect the hair growth cycle?

Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can cause more follicles to enter the resting phase, potentially leading to increased shedding a few months later.

What is telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a form of diffuse shedding in which more hairs than usual enter the resting stage. It may follow illness, stress, childbirth, surgery, dietary change or hormonal disruption.

Can hair grow back after shedding?

In many cases of temporary shedding, new growth resumes once the underlying trigger resolves. Regrowth takes time because the follicle must re-enter anagen and the new strand grows gradually.

How do I know whether my hair loss is normal?

Occasional daily shedding is expected. Seek medical advice for bald patches, rapid or severe thinning, scalp pain, scarring, inflammation, eyebrow loss or shedding that remains excessive for several months.

Final Thoughts

Hair does not grow continuously without pause. Each follicle follows an individual cycle of growth, transition, rest and shedding, creating the natural process of renewal that continues throughout life.

Understanding the natural hair growth cycle can make everyday shedding feel less alarming. It also helps explain why hair requires patience: meaningful changes in length, density and condition develop over months rather than days.

A balanced lifestyle, appropriate medical support when needed and a gentle professional haircare routine can all help protect the hair fibre and maintain a healthy-looking scalp. By treating both with consistency and care, you give your hair the best opportunity to look strong, resilient and beautifully maintained throughout every stage of its natural cycle.

Love,

The Moo & Yoo Team x