Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

What is the term for the "falling out" stage of hair growth?

1. Anagen

2. Telogen

3. Catagen

4. Exogen

The correct answer is: Catagen

The term associated with the "falling out" stage of hair growth is telogen. In this phase, hair is naturally shed from the scalp, making it a crucial part of the hair growth cycle. Telogen is important because it not only marks the end of the hair’s current growth cycle but also prepares the scalp for new hair follicles to begin the anagen phase of growth again. In contrast, anagen refers to the active growth phase when hair follicles are producing hair. Catagen is a transitional phase where hair growth slows and the hair follicle shrinks, signaling the end of the growth cycle but not yet leading to shedding. Exogen, while it involves shedding, typically refers to the process of hair falling out rather than the specific stage in the growth cycle. Thus, understanding that telogen is primarily recognized as the stage where hair falls out helps clarify its significance in the overall lifecycle of hair.