Indiana State Beauty Practice Exam

What is the term for the growth cycle of hair?

1. Telogen, anagen, catagen

2. Anagen, catagen, telogen

3. Catagen, telogen, anagen

4. Telogen, catagen, anagen

The correct answer is: Anagen, catagen, telogen

The growth cycle of hair is best described by the order of the phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the active growth phase where the hair follicle is deeply embedded in the dermis and is producing new hair. This phase can last several years, varying between individuals, and represents the longest stage of the hair cycle. After anagen, the hair enters the catagen phase, which is a transitional stage lasting a few weeks. During catagen, hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle begins to shrink, detaching from the hair bulb. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting period where the hair is not actively growing but remains in the follicle. This phase can last several months, after which a new anagen cycle begins, often replacing the old hair. The correct answer reflects this accurate sequence of the hair growth cycle, which is crucial for understanding hair treatment and health in beauty practices.