Which statement about the first stage of hair growth is true?

• A. Anagen is the first stage of hair growth
• B. Catagen is the first stage of hair growth
• C. Telogen is the first stage of hair growth
• D. Exogen is the first stage of hair growth

Answer: (A)

The growth phase is the starting point of the hair cycle, where the hair actively grows. This phase, called the anagen phase, involves rapid cell division in the hair matrix and elongation of the hair shaft. The duration of anagen largely determines how long hair can grow—the longer this phase lasts, the longer the hair can become, which is why scalp hair can reach substantial lengths. After anagen comes catagen, a brief transitional stage when growth slows and the follicle shrinks; then telogen, the resting phase where the hair is shed. Exogen is a later concept describing the shedding itself. So identifying the first stage as anagen accurately reflects the sequence where active growth begins.