Catagen, a brief transitional stage, lasts for what amount of time?

Catagen, a brief transitional stage, lasts for what amount of time?

• A. Only a few weeks
• B. 1-2 years
• C. 2-6 years
• D. Up to 10 years

Answer: (A)

Catagen is the brief transitional stage between the active growth of hair and the resting phase. Because it’s a short changeover, it lasts only a couple of weeks—about two to three weeks. During this time, the hair stops growing, the follicle shrinks, and the connection to the blood supply weakens, setting up the hair to move into the resting phase. This short duration stands in contrast to the long growth phase, which can last years, and the resting phase, which lasts several months. So, a few weeks best describes catagen.

Catagen is the brief transitional stage between the active growth of hair and the resting phase. Because it’s a short changeover, it lasts only a couple of weeks—about two to three weeks. During this time, the hair stops growing, the follicle shrinks, and the connection to the blood supply weakens, setting up the hair to move into the resting phase. This short duration stands in contrast to the long growth phase, which can last years, and the resting phase, which lasts several months. So, a few weeks best describes catagen.