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Multiple Choice

Which stage of the hair cycle is the growth stage?

Anagen is the growth stage—the active growth phase where hair follicles are actively dividing at the hair matrix and producing the hair shaft. During this time the hair lengthens as cells keratinize and migrate upward. It lasts the longest of the stages, especially for scalp hair, often years depending on genetics, which is why hair can become quite long. After this, the cycle moves into catagen (a brief, transitional phase), then telogen (the resting/shedding phase), with exogen sometimes described as the shedding portion. Since the question asks which stage involves active growth, Anagen is the best answer.

Anagen is the growth stage—the active growth phase where hair follicles are actively dividing at the hair matrix and producing the hair shaft. During this time the hair lengthens as cells keratinize and migrate upward. It lasts the longest of the stages, especially for scalp hair, often years depending on genetics, which is why hair can become quite long. After this, the cycle moves into catagen (a brief, transitional phase), then telogen (the resting/shedding phase), with exogen sometimes described as the shedding portion. Since the question asks which stage involves active growth, Anagen is the best answer.