In which phase does hair shed naturally?

The telogen phase is the stage in the hair growth cycle where hair is naturally shed. During this phase, the hair follicle is in a resting state, and existing hair is still attached but not actively growing. Eventually, as new hair begins to grow in the anagen phase, it pushes the old hair out of the follicle, leading to its shedding. The telogen phase can last several weeks, during which approximately 10-15% of the hair on the scalp is in this resting state and is more likely to be shed.

Understanding the hair growth cycle is essential, as it provides clarity on how hair removal methods can be effectively timed. The anagen phase is where active hair growth occurs, the catagen phase marks a transition phase where growth slows, and the exogen phase is the period when hair is actively shedding but still affiliated with the telogen phase. Therefore, the telogen phase is specifically characterized by and directly associated with hair shedding.