What stage is the shortest hair growth cycle?

• A. Anagen
• B. Telogen
• C. Catagen
• D. Exogen

Answer: (C)

The shortest hair growth cycle is indeed the catagen phase. This is a transitional stage that follows the anagen phase, where active hair growth occurs. During catagen, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the hair bulb, marking the end of the hair's growth phase.

This stage lasts only a few weeks, typically about two to three weeks, which is considerably shorter compared to the anagen phase, where hair can grow for several years, and the telogen phase, which is a resting phase lasting several months. The exogen phase, which is sometimes considered a part of the telogen phase, is when the hair sheds; this phase can occur for a longer duration as it involves the actual loss of hair. Therefore, catagen stands out as the cycle with the briefest duration in the overall hair growth process.