PSI Barbering Practice Exam

During which hair growth phase does the follicle shrink and the hair bulb disappear?

1. Telogen

2. Anagen

3. Catagen

4. Resting

The correct answer is: Catagen

The correct answer pertains to the catagen phase, which is a transitional stage in the hair growth cycle. During this phase, the hair follicle undergoes significant changes; it shrinks and the hair bulb, which is crucial for supporting hair growth, diminishes and may even disappear. This is a temporary phase following the actively growing anagen phase, where hair strands are continuously formed and nourished. As the follicle shrinks, the hair is no longer actively growing and detaches from the blood supply. This process marks the end of the growth phase and precedes the resting phase, where the hair eventually falls out. Understanding these phases is essential for anyone studying hair health and growth cycles, as it directly impacts hair care and treatment approaches.