In what stage can hair most readily be removed from the scalp?
A Catagenic
B Anagenic
C Telogenic
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B Anagenic.
The anagen phase is the active growth phase of the hair cycle, where hair follicles are deeply rooted in the scalp. During this stage, the hair is continuously growing, and the hair shaft is attached firmly to the follicle. Because the hair is actively growing and anchored within the follicle, it is generally in the most stable and robust condition compared to other phases. However, the anagen phase is also the stage in which hair can be most easily and effectively removed, such as during hair removal treatments like laser therapy or waxing.
In contrast, the catagenic phase is a short transitional phase that occurs after the hair has stopped growing but before it enters the resting phase. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks, and the hair becomes detached from its blood supply, which weakens its grip on the follicle. As a result, it is more prone to falling out or being easily removed.
The telogenic phase is the resting phase. Hair in this stage is no longer actively growing but remains attached to the scalp until it is eventually shed. Telogen hairs are more loosely anchored in the follicle compared to anagen hairs, so they can fall out more easily, but removal is not as efficient since the hair is not in active growth and tends to be naturally shed.
Hair removal methods such as waxing, threading, or laser hair removal are more effective during the anagenic phase because the hair is deeply rooted and the follicle has a stronger grip on the hair, making the process smoother and more efficient.