Anagen is best described as the growth stage lasting...

• A. 5-6 weeks
• B. 2-6 years
• C. 1-2 weeks
• D. 5-6 months

Answer: (B)

Anagen represents the active growth phase of the hair cycle, when the hair shaft is steadily lengthening as cells in the hair matrix divide and the follicle remains attached to the nutrient-rich papilla. This growth phase lasts much longer than the other stages, especially for scalp hair, typically about two to six years depending on genetics and body area. That long duration makes it the correct choice. Shorter timeframes correspond to the other phases: a brief transitional stage lasting a few weeks, and a resting phase that can span several months. So, the growth stage being on the order of years fits real hair growth patterns.