Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle: What Every Black Woman Should Know

Struggling to grow your hair past a certain length? You’re not alone. Many Black women deal with breakage, thinning, or stunted growth, and often blame themselves or their hair type. But before you spend another dollar on growth oils or vitamins, let’s go deeper: healthy hair starts with understanding the hair growth cycle.

At Touched By An Angel Beauty School, we teach that knowledge is power. When you understand how hair naturally grows (and falls), you can make better choices that protect your length, prevent breakage, and support your overall hair goals. This blog breaks it all down—no fluff, just facts every Black woman should know.

What Is the Hair Growth Cycle?

Hair doesn’t just grow nonstop. It goes through a repeating four-phase cycle that controls how long it grows, when it sheds, and how new strands come in.

The four phases are:

Phase	Name	What Happens	How Long It Lasts
1️⃣	Anagen (Growth Phase)	Active hair growth from the follicle	2 to 7 years (shorter for many Black women)
2️⃣	Catagen (Transition Phase)	Hair stops growing, detaches from blood supply	~10 days
3️⃣	Telogen (Resting Phase)	Follicle rests; no growth occurs	~3 months
4️⃣	Exogen (Shedding Phase)	Old hair sheds and new hair begins to grow	Varies – usually overlaps with Anagen

How the Hair Growth Cycle Impacts Black Hair

Black hair, especially Type 4 textures, tends to have a shorter anagen phase, which means it grows for a shorter period before stopping. That doesn’t mean it can’t grow long—it just requires more care to retain the length.

Here’s why that matters:

·        Shrinkage can make it look like your hair isn’t growing—when it actually is!

·        Breakage at the ends can outpace growth at the roots.

·        Improper styling during the fragile telogen or exogen phases can lead to unnecessary shedding.

Hair Loss vs. Normal Shedding

It’s normal to lose 50–100 strands a day during the exogen phase. But if you’re seeing bald patches, clumps, or excessive thinning, that’s not regular shedding—it could be a sign of:

·        Traction alopecia (tight styles pulling at the scalp)

·        Hormonal imbalance

·        Stress or postpartum shedding

·        Poor scalp health or inflammation

Tip: Always listen to your scalp. It often tells you what your strands can’t.

How to Support the Hair Growth Cycle Naturally

Want your hair to thrive at every phase? Try these science-backed tips:

During Anagen (Growth Phase):

·        Eat a nutrient-rich diet (iron, zinc, biotin)

·        Massage your scalp regularly to boost blood flow

·        Use lightweight growth oils like rosemary or castor oil

During Catagen & Telogen:

·        Avoid tight protective styles or heavy tension

·        Minimize heat and chemical use

·        Deep condition regularly to prevent dryness

During Exogen:

·        Detangle gently to avoid pulling out new growth

·        Use low-manipulation styles (like twists or buns)

·        Sleep on a satin scarf or pillowcase

Why This Knowledge Matters

Many Black women are told their hair “can’t grow” or “just breaks off.” But that’s not the truth. Your hair IS growing—you just need to retain it. And retention starts with understanding your growth cycle.

At Touched By An Angel Beauty School, our students learn how to work with—not against—the natural rhythms of Black hair. Whether you’re training to become a stylist or just want healthier hair, knowing this cycle gives you a powerful head start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I know which phase of the hair growth cycle I'm in?

You usually can’t tell visually. However, if you’re noticing growth, you’re likely in the anagen phase. If you’re shedding more than usual, you may be in the exogen phase. A healthy scalp and consistent care will support all phases.

Q2: Is it normal to lose hair every day?

Yes. Losing 50–100 strands daily is considered normal. However, if you’re noticing bald spots or hair coming out in clumps, it may be a sign of stress, hormonal changes, or styling damage.

Q3: Can I make my hair grow faster?

You can’t speed up your natural growth rate drastically, but you can create the perfect environment for steady, healthy growth. This includes a good diet, scalp massages, protective styles, and avoiding excessive heat and chemicals.

Q4: Does protective styling help with the hair growth cycle?

Yes—when done correctly. Protective styles like braids, twists, or wigs can help you retain length during the growth phase, but if done too tightly or worn too long, they can cause damage during the resting or shedding phases.

Q5: Should I see a professional about hair shedding?

If your shedding is excessive or sudden, a visit to a professional is a smart choice. A licensed cosmetologist can assess your scalp health and recommend treatment options tailored to your hair type.

Hair Growth Help at Touched By An Angel Beauty School

Looking to boost your hair’s health and growth? At Touched By An Angel Beauty School, we don’t just train the next generation of cosmetologists—we also provide affordable salon services under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Our Hair Growth-Focused Services Include:

·        Scalp Detox Treatments – Remove buildup and refresh your follicles

·        Deep Conditioning & Steam Therapy – Restore moisture and strengthen strands

·        Protective Styling Services – Braids, twists, flat twists, and more

·        Trim & Treatment Packages – Support retention by removing split ends

·        Silk Press & Natural Hair Styling – Without compromising your curl pattern

Visit us today in Jonesboro, GA and experience the care your hair deserves.

Call now to book: +1 (470) 399-5356

Or check our site: TouchedByAnAngelBeautySchool.com

Remember: growth isn't just about what you put on your hair—it's about what you know.