During which stage of hair growth is hair color generally darker?

Hair color is generally darker during the anagen stage of hair growth. This is the active growth phase where hair follicles are producing new hair. During this time, the melanin production, responsible for hair color, is most potent, leading to a richer and darker hue. New hair cells are rapidly produced, and because there is a higher concentration of melanin being deposited in the hair shaft, the resulting hair tends to be thicker and darker.

In contrast, during the resting and telogen phases, the growth activity significantly decreases. The catagen phase is a transitional period where hair growth stops, leading to a reduction in melanin production as well. This results in lighter hair as it is not actively being colored by the pigments that provide darker shades. Thus, the robust activity of the anagen phase is critically tied to the depth and richness of hair color.