Why Am I Going Bald? If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. At why.edu.vn, we provide reliable answers and expert insights to help you understand the causes of hair loss and explore potential solutions. Let’s explore the factors and seek answers to thinning hair and receding hairlines for better understanding, offering hope with treatments, DHT blockers, and hair restoration options.
1. Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
The hair on your head follows a natural growth cycle. This cycle consists of different phases, each playing a crucial role in hair growth and shedding. Disruptions to this cycle can lead to hair loss.
1.1. The Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
The anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair follicles. Here’s what you need to know:
- Duration: This phase can last anywhere from two to six years.
- Percentage: About 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.
- Growth Rate: Hair grows approximately one quarter to half an inch per month.
- Factors Affecting Growth: Age, genetics, and overall health can influence the duration and rate of hair growth during this phase.
1.2. The Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
The catagen phase is a short transitional stage between the growth and resting phases. Key points include:
- Duration: Lasts about two to three weeks.
- Follicle Shrinkage: The hair follicle shrinks, and growth slows down.
- Hair Detachment: The hair detaches from the papilla, the structure that nourishes the hair.
1.3. The Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
The telogen phase is when the hair follicle is at rest, preparing to shed the hair. Important details:
- Duration: Lasts around three months.
- Percentage: About 10% of your hair is in this phase.
- Hair Shedding: At the end of this phase, the hair is shed, making way for new hair growth.
1.4. The Exogen Phase (Shedding Phase)
Often considered part of the telogen phase, the exogen phase is when the hair is actively shed.
- Overlap: This phase overlaps with the telogen phase.
- Daily Shedding: It’s normal to shed around 50 to 100 hairs per day.
- New Hair Growth: A new hair begins to grow from the same follicle, restarting the anagen phase.
Understanding this cycle is essential for grasping why hair loss occurs. Disruptions to any of these phases can lead to increased shedding and thinning hair.
