What is the catagen phase?
The catagen phase is a short transitional period in the hair growth cycle when active growth stops and the hair follicle prepares to shed.
While red light therapy primarily targets the anagen phase, supporting follicular metabolism during catagen can help preserve hair structures and delay the progression to shedding.
Understanding the catagen phase helps optimize red light therapy protocols aimed at extending the growth phase and minimizing follicle dormancy periods.
Related terms
Hair cycle
Biological Concepts
The hair cycle refers to the continuous process of hair growth, regression, rest, and shedding through the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Biological Concepts
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturization and androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Hair follicle miniaturization
Biological Concepts
Hair follicle miniaturization is the progressive shrinking of hair follicles, resulting in thinner, shorter, and less pigmented hairs.
Exogen phase
Biological Concepts
The exogen phase is the part of the hair growth cycle when hair fibers are shed from the follicle as a natural renewal process.
