What occurs during the Catagen Phase of hair growth?

During the Catagen Phase of hair growth, significant changes occur that lead to the eventual transition of hair follicles. This phase is marked by the detachment of the hair shaft from the hair bulb. The Catagen Phase is a transitional stage that follows the Anagen phase, which is the period of active growth.

In Catagen, the hair follicle shrinks and the lower part of the hair shaft is destroyed. As a result, the hair becomes detached from its root and begins to separate from the follicle. This detachment is crucial because it sets the stage for the subsequent Telogen phase, where hair rests before eventually falling out and making room for new hair growth to start in the Anagen phase.

Understanding this cycle is essential for estheticians, as it impacts hair removal techniques and treatments for various hair conditions. The other phases (Anagen and Telogen) are characterized by active growth and resting, respectively, rather than the detachment process that defines the Catagen phase.