What is the term for the hair growth phase?

The term for the hair growth phase is anagen. This phase is crucial because it is when the hair follicles actively produce hair. Each strand of hair originates from a follicle during this phase, which can last several years depending on genetic and hormonal factors. During the anagen phase, hair can grow about half an inch per month, making it the most significant phase for determining hair length.

In contrast, other phases such as telogen and catagen represent periods of rest or transition rather than active growth. The telogen phase is the resting stage where the hair is not growing, while catagen is the transitional phase where hair growth slows down and prepares for shedding. Interphase is a term generally related to cell division cycles and does not specifically pertain to hair growth phases. Thus, anagen accurately describes the phase where hair is actively growing.