Ace the Michigan Cosmetology Exam 2026 – Style Your Way to Success!

The three phases of hair growth are anagen, catagen, and telogen.

During the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase, hair follicles produce new hair cells, leading to the growth of hair. This phase can last for several years, depending on the individual and factors such as genetics and health. The length of this phase is what largely determines how long the hair can grow.

The catagen phase is a transitional stage where hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts for a few weeks and marks the end of the active growth period, preparing the hair for the later stages.

Finally, the telogen phase is the resting stage, where the hair is no longer growing but is still attached to the follicle. This phase usually lasts for several months before the hair falls out, making way for new hair to grow, thus cycling back to the anagen phase.

This understanding of the hair growth cycle is essential in cosmetology as it helps professionals identify the condition of a client's hair and scalp and make informed decisions about treatments and hair care. The other options, while mentioning aspects related to hair growth or status, do not accurately categorize the scientifically recognized phases of hair growth.