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The catagen phase is a part of the hair cycle that represents the transition between the anagen phase (active growth phase) and the telogen phase (resting phase). During the catagen phase, the hair stops growing and prepares to enter the resting phase. This phase is relatively short and lasts about two to three weeks.
In the catagen phase, the hair follicle shrinks significantly as the lower part of the follicle retracts and the hair shaft is separated from the supplying blood vessel network. This leads to the hair losing its active growth support and ultimately falling out. The catagen phase only affects a small percentage of the hair on the scalp at any given time, regulating natural hair loss and ensuring a balance between hair growth and hair loss. After the hair has passed through the catagen phase, it enters the telogen phase, the resting phase, before the cycle begins again with the anagen phase.
Related terms: Anagen phase / Exogen phase / Kenogen phase / Telogen phase / Growth phases
