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The scalp is populated by thousands of individual hairs which sit in follicles under the skin. Male/female pattern hair loss changes the way hair grows. The affected hairs become shorter, finer and lighter in colour. Eventually, some hairsbecome too light and fine to be seen.
Normal Hair Growth
There are three stages in a hair's growth cycle. The hair follicles in the scalp are at different stages at any one time.
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1. Anagen Stage (Growing Phase) The new hair grows from the base of the follicle. This growth phase usually lasts for 2 to 4 years and results in a full-grown hair. |
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2. Catagen Stage (Regression Phase) During this stage, the hair stops growing and the hair root shrinks. The base of the follicle breaks down and the hair moves upward, away from the root. |
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3. Telogen Stage (Resting Phase) The matured hair is now only loosely anchored to the hair root. It usually falls off after a few months or is pushed out by the next hair which grows from below. |