Which phase is the growth phase during which new hair is produced?

Which phase is the growth phase during which new hair is produced?

• A. Telogen phase
• B. Catagen phase
• C. Exogen phase
• D. Anagen phase

Answer: (D)

The growth phase is the anagen phase. During this stage the hair follicle is actively producing new hair as the matrix cells at the base divide and keratinize, pushing the hair shaft upward and lengthening it. This is the period when the follicle is most active and the hair is firmly anchored, which is why new hair is formed here. The length of anagen varies by body area and can last years on the scalp, allowing hair to grow long before entering other phases. Catagen is a brief transition period where growth slows and the follicle shrinks, telogen is the resting phase where shedding can occur, and exogen refers to the actual shedding of hair. Because only during the growth phase is new hair being produced, it is the phase described by the question.

The growth phase is the anagen phase. During this stage the hair follicle is actively producing new hair as the matrix cells at the base divide and keratinize, pushing the hair shaft upward and lengthening it. This is the period when the follicle is most active and the hair is firmly anchored, which is why new hair is formed here. The length of anagen varies by body area and can last years on the scalp, allowing hair to grow long before entering other phases. Catagen is a brief transition period where growth slows and the follicle shrinks, telogen is the resting phase where shedding can occur, and exogen refers to the actual shedding of hair. Because only during the growth phase is new hair being produced, it is the phase described by the question.