From the Research
The exogen phase is a distinct stage of the hair growth cycle characterized by the active shedding of hair strands from the follicle, occurring after the telogen phase and involving the breakdown of anchoring points by proteolytic enzymes, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Characteristics of the Exogen Phase
- The exogen phase is a short-lived phase, typically lasting only a few days, during which the old hair is released and expelled from the follicle 2.
- This phase is distinct from the telogen phase, which is the resting phase of the hair cycle, and is characterized by the preparation for shedding rather than the actual shedding process itself 3.
- The exogen phase is a normal physiological process that occurs in all individuals, with humans shedding about 50-100 hairs daily, and is not directly related to pathological hair loss conditions like alopecia 1.
Clinical Relevance of the Exogen Phase
- Understanding the exogen phase is important for explaining why some hair shedding is normal and expected as part of the continuous renewal process of hair follicles 2.
- The exogen phase is relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss conditions, as it can help distinguish between normal and pathological hair shedding 1.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and regulation of the exogen phase, as well as its relationship to other phases of the hair growth cycle 3.