Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

Which phase is recognized as the resting phase of hair growth?

1. Telogen

2. Catagen

3. Anagen

4. Exogen

The correct answer is: Telogen

The resting phase of hair growth is known as telogen. During this phase, the hair follicle is in a state of dormancy, and the hair that has grown during the previous anagen (growth) phase eventually becomes detached. This is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, where the majority of hair follicles are in the resting state at any given time. Telogen typically lasts several weeks to months, allowing for some hairs to shed naturally while new hairs begin to grow in the anagen phase. Understanding the telogen phase is crucial for anyone in esthetics, as it helps in assessing hair growth patterns and addressing conditions like hair loss. The other phases, such as catagen and anagen, indicate more active processes of hair growth and development. Catagen is a transitional phase where hair growth stops, and the follicle begins to shrink, while anagen is the primary growth phase characterized by active hair production. Exogen, while sometimes discussed in relation to hair shedding, is not officially recognized as a distinct phase in the growth cycle like the other phases are.