What is the active growing stage of hair called?

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

Answer: (A)

Active hair growth occurs during the anagen phase, when cells in the hair matrix divide and the hair shaft actively lengthens. In this stage the hair is firmly anchored in the follicle, melanin is deposited to color the growing strand, and the duration of this phase largely determines how long a hair can grow before entering a resting or shedding stage. The length of anagen varies by body area—scalp hair can remain in growth for years, while hair elsewhere grows for much shorter periods. After growth ends, the follicle transitions to the catagen phase, a brief period of transition with shrinking follicles. The telogen phase is the resting stage, during which shedding occurs, and exogen refers to the shedding process when the hair exits the follicle.