How Does the Hair Growth Cycle Affect Hair Loss?

Hair Loss - 1 August 2025

◴ Read time - 5 mins

Ever wondered why your hair suddenly starts shedding months after a stressful event or illness and think why is my hair falling out!?

Or why some people can grow their hair down to their waist while others can’t get past shoulder length? The answer lies in the hair growth cycle – and understanding it is key to spotting what’s normal and when it’s time to seek expert help!

What is the hair growth cycle?

The hair growth cycle is the natural pattern your hair follows as it grows, rests, and sheds. 

Every strand of hair on your head is in a different stage of this cycle, which lasts between 3 to 7 years and varies from person to person.

There are four main phases:

1 – Exogen (Shedding Phase)

The phase where old hairs are released, making way for new ones.

2 – Anagen (Growth Phase)

Lasts 3–5 years (sometimes up to 7!). Determines how long your hair can grow.

3 – Catagen (Transition Phase)

A brief 10-day period where growth slows and follicles shrink.

4 – Telogen (Resting Phase)

Lasts around 3 months. Hair doesn’t grow but stays in place.

What's causing my hair to fall out?

When something disrupts this cycle - such as stress, illness, surgery, hormonal changes, allergies, or poor diet - hair can prematurely leave the anagen (growth) phase and enter telogen (resting). This results in telogen effluvium, where excessive shedding occurs a few months after the ‘trigger’ event.

Did You Know...

If stress or illness caused your hair loss, you usually won’t see the shedding until 3 - 4 months later. This delay often leads people to wonder, “Why am I losing hair now when I feel fine!?”

Understanding the hair growth cycle helps you separate normal shedding from excessive loss...

How much hair loss is normal?

It’s normal to lose 50–100 hairs a day. Hair shedding becomes concerning when you notice:

- Excessive shedding that continues for more than 3 - 4 months

- Hair coming out in clumps when washing or brushing

- A widening parting or visible scalpThink of it as the middle ground between embracing your natural hair colour and going for full coverage - a stylish option that works with your hair rather than against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hair growth cycle?

The full cycle lasts between 3 to 7 years, depending on genetics. Each individual hair goes through growth, transition, resting, and shedding phases.

Does stress really cause hair loss?

Yes. Stress can push hairs out of the growth phase and into the resting phase prematurely, leading to increased shedding 3 - 4 months later.

Can diet affect hair loss?

Absolutely. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, protein, or essential fatty acids can disrupt the cycle and cause thinning.

Will my hair grow back after telogen effluvium?

In most cases, yes. Once the trigger (stress, illness, etc.) is resolved, hair growth usually returns to normal within 6 - 9 months.

When should I see a professional?

If you’re unsure whether your shedding is normal or excessive, or if you’ve noticed sudden thinning, speak to a hair loss expert. At Francesco Hair Salon, during our Hair & Scalp analysis* we assess scalp health, hair density, and possible triggers to create tailored solutions - from scalp treatments to professional advice.

Understanding the hair growth cycle helps you separate normal shedding from excessive loss. If you’re concerned about hair thinning, remember: it’s rarely immediate, it’s often reversible, and expert help can make all the difference.

*Full service currently only available at select Francesco Hair Salons. Most of our salons are currently in training and Hair & Scalp Analysis’ will be available soon.