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Hair guide β€Ί What are anagen, catagen, and telogen?

What are anagen, catagen, and telogen?

βœ“ Medically reviewed✍️ HairBase editorial teamπŸ“… Last updated: June 14, 2026⏱ 1 min read
πŸ’‘ Quick answer

A shed hair is often a telogen club. It is not automatically AGA. Photograph the part.

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Questions answered here
Key termsMinoxidilFinasteride

Most scalp follicles sit in anagen for years, then catagen, then telogen before a new shaft. A cohort entering telogen together makes a denser drain months later. Miniaturisation is a different exam. This page will not invent a PMID. Related: telogen-effluvium-clock β€” different URL.

Do not start oral finasteride from a cycle diagram. Do not double minoxidil because a YouTube clock said β€œday 40.”

Sudden patches, pain, or pus skip the cycle lecture. This is not medical advice.

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πŸ“š Sources

Sources: AAD β€” shedding β†—

FAQ

Is telogen the same as baldness?

Telogen is a phase. Pattern is miniaturisation over time.

Can I force anagen with extra foam?

No. Follow the carton.

Same as seasonal shedding?

Related clock, different URL.

Does minoxidil change the cycle?

It can prolong anagen in labelled use. That is not a HairBase timer.

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Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Figures such as 1 mg or 5% are labelled strengths you may see in your country β€” not a dosing instruction. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.

⚠️ When to see a doctor β€” don’t self-treat

  • Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
  • Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia β€” treat urgently)
  • Broken hairs or rapid loss
  • Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
  • Loss right after a new medication
  • Any hair loss in a child
Try the free self-check β†’
Try the free self-check β†’