Which phase in the hair growth cycle is referred to as the resting phase?

The resting phase of the hair growth cycle is known as the telogen phase. During this phase, hair follicles are in a state of rest, and hair growth halts. The hair that is in the telogen phase remains in the follicle for a period, approximately 2 to 4 months, during which the follicle prepares for the next cycle of hair growth.

Understanding the role of the telogen phase is crucial because it is a natural part of the hair growth cycle where old hairs are shed to allow new strands to emerge. This phase is vital for maintaining the health of hair by promoting regeneration and shedding old or damaged hairs.

In contrast, the anagen phase is when the hair is actively growing, the catagen phase marks a transitional period where hair growth slows, and the exogen phase involves the shedding of hairs that were in the telogen phase. Knowing these distinctions helps in understanding hair health and the dynamics of hair growth.