Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

During which phase of hair growth does shedding occur?

1. Anagen

2. Telogen

3. Catagen

4. Exogen

The correct answer is: Telogen

Shedding occurs during the telogen phase, which is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. In this phase, hair follicles are not actively producing hair and are essentially in a state of dormancy. As the hair reaches the end of its life cycle, it begins to loosen from the hair follicle, which ultimately leads to shedding. This is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, where hair follicles prepare for new hair to grow in the anagen phase that follows. In contrast, the anagen phase is the active growth phase where hair is continually produced and the follicles are robustly engaged in hair growth. The catagen phase is a transitional stage that bridges anagen and telogen, where growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks. The exogen phase is sometimes considered a sub-phase of telogen or a part of the shedding process, where old hairs are actively being shed but is not officially recognized as a distinct phase in all contexts. Therefore, shedding is primarily associated with the telogen phase.