Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

What is the phase of hair growth where the hair sheds and the follicle rests?

1. Anagen Phase

2. Telogen Phase

3. Catagen Phase

4. Resting Phase

The correct answer is: Telogen Phase

The phase of hair growth where the hair sheds and the follicle enters a resting state is known as the Telogen Phase. During this stage, which is typically the final phase of the hair growth cycle, the hair is not actively growing. Instead, it rests for a period, after which it will eventually be shed to make way for new hair growth. Understanding the hair growth cycle is crucial for estheticians, as it influences hair removal techniques and the timing of treatments. The Telogen Phase can last several weeks to a few months, during which it’s completely normal for a certain amount of hair to fall out. In contrast, other phases such as Anagen, which is the active growth phase, and Catagen, which is a transitional phase where hair growth slows down and follicle shrinks, are distinctly different from the Telogen Phase both in function and characteristics. The Resting Phase is not a commonly defined term in a traditional hair growth cycle context, making the Telogen Phase the most accurate description for shedding and resting.