What is the first stage of hair growth called?

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

Answer: (A)

The growth phase is the first stage, known as the anagen phase. During this period, the hair follicle actively produces new cells in the hair matrix at the base of the follicle. These cells divide rapidly and keratinize to form the hair shaft, lengthening the strand as it grows. The duration of anagen varies by body site and individual, with scalp hair often spending years in this phase, which is why it can grow long. After the growth phase, the follicle moves into catagen (a short transitional stage), then telogen (a resting stage), and finally exogen (the shedding stage) before the cycle restarts.