Of all the various goals and desires folks have when it comes to textured hair, growth is often at the top of the list — and we get it. To save yourself from more “quick-fix” YouTube videos and Google searches, stimulating hair growth really just comes down to understanding — and supporting — your natural hair growth cycle.

The hair growth cycle remains the standard for all hair types and curl patterns and describes the continuous process where each of the 100,000+ follicles on your head go through three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each phase of the cycle plays a critical role in determining the length, thickness, and health of your hair.

• Anagen phase: This is the active growth phase of the hair cycle, during which the hair follicle is actively producing new hair. The anagen phase lasts for an average of 2-6 years, depending on various factors such as genetics, age, and overall health.

• Catagen phase: After the anagen phase, the hair follicle transitions into a brief transition phase called the catagen phase. This phase lasts for only 2-3 weeks and is characterized by a cessation of hair growth.

• Telogen phase: The final phase of the hair growth cycle is the telogen phase, which is also known as the resting phase. During this phase, the hair follicle remains dormant for several months, and the hair strand eventually falls out. This phase can last anywhere from 3-6 months.

Once the telogen phase is complete, the hair growth cycle begins again with the anagen phase. It’s worth noting that not all hair follicles are in the same phase of the growth cycle at the same time. This is why you may notice that some hairs on your head are longer or thicker than others (or can be seen as completely different textures entirely).

Overall, the hair growth cycle is a complex and ongoing process that is influenced by many factors, including genetics, hormones, age, and overall health.