What is the function of the anagen phase in hair growth?

The anagen phase is recognized as the growth phase of hair development, during which hair follicles are actively producing new cells. This phase is crucial because it determines the length and overall health of the hair. During anagen, hair can grow continuously for several years, and this period can vary significantly among individuals due to genetic factors and other influences.

In this phase, the hair bulb is surrounded by a rich supply of blood vessels that nourish the growing hair. The result is increased hair length as cells divide and move upward, keratinizing in the process to form the hair strand. This distinguishes the anagen phase from the other phases, as it is specifically focused on the production of hair rather than resting or shedding.

The other phases, such as the telogen (resting phase) and catagen (transition phase), serve different purposes in the hair growth cycle, where hair may stop growing or prepare for shedding, unlike the active growth prized during the anagen phase.