Opposed to widespread belief, the human hairs do not all grow at one time. Rather, each individual strand of hair is constantly undergoing one of the three phases to determine whether it should grow and shed. The anagen phase is part of the hair growth cycle or ‘active phase’ when the hair enters a state of active growth. This is the only time new hair is growing. Most of your top hair transplant surgeons would agree that this period lasts approximately 3 to 5 years on average. At Modena Hair Restoration, Dr. Yazdan recommends the use of certain medications such as Minoxidil and Propecia to prolong the anagen stage which aids hair in producing longer and fuller hair, and GroMD Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo which rapidly helps in increasing the anagen cycle to stop further hair shedding.
What Happens During the Anagen Phase?

• The hair follicle itself begins to enlarge and grow deeper into the scalp
• When the hair follicle becomes deep enough, a hair bulb forms at the bottom
• Connective structures called derma papillae fasten themselves to the bulb of the hair follicle providing nourishment so that the hair can grow
• The hair shafts begin to grow upwards and outwards from the scalp. If an old hair is still present, the new hair shaft pushes it up and out of the follicle
• The new hair shaft grows upward through the follicle, past the surface, and emerges as a hair strand

Is the Anagen Phase the Same for Everyone?
The duration of the anagen phase is mainly determined by genetics. For example, those of Asian descent generally have hair that remains in the growth phase for a considerably longer duration than other ethnicities. In some cases, scalp hair remains in this phase as long or short as their body hair. This results in scalp hair not growing more than just a few inches. Other factors that contribute to duration of this phase are environmental toxins and severe stress can also affect the length of your locks.
Is the Anagen Phase the Same for Body Hair as it is the Scalp?
As far as their components to growth are concerned, body hair grows in the same way as scalp hair. In other words – each strand of hair on the body are also going through one of the three phases of development. With that said, body hair remains in the anagen or ‘growing phase’ for a much shorter time frame than scalp hair. Hence why the hair on top of your head grows remarkably longer than on the legs, arms, chest, eyebrows etc.
Hair Growth Myths
The good news is, wearing hats and hair ties will not affect your growth cycle.  However, too much strain or tension on the hair follicles will result in a form of hair loss called Traction Alopecia. Traction Alopecia occurs in many African American’s  due to the culture of how they fashion their hair using hair extensions, weaves, dreadlocks, and cornrows over an extended period of time. Shaving your head is also a common myth and in fact, has no impact on the actual rate of hair growth. In other words, hair will continue to cycle through the three stages of growth regardless, yet wont grow in longer or thicker as a result.

For questions or to schedule a consultation, call one of our offices conveniently located in Irvine, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas at 888-717-5273 or contact via our website at contact Modena Hair Link