anagen
noun
an·a·gen
ˈa-nə-ˌjen 
: the active phase of the hair growth cycle that precedes catagen and telogen, that is marked by rapid division and differentiation of cells in the lower portion of the hair follicle and by lengthening of the hair shaft, and that typically lasts between two to six years
Note: At any given time, approximately 80% to 90% of hair follicles are in anagen.
Examples of anagen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Taking minoxidil orally can support the hair follicle cycle and trigger anagen (the resting phase) prematurely.
—
Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2025
The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: anagen (the growth period), catagen (the transition period) and telogen (the rest period).
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Scalp health has a major impact on hair growth, and improving blood circulation is important for the anagen phase of the hair-growth cycle.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2025
During anagen, the hair follicle will produce a new shaft–the part of the follicle that pokes above the skin.
—Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2025
Your hair has three stages of growth: the anagen stage, the catagen stage, and the telogen stage.
—Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
These cells are responsible for the regeneration of hair during the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
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Jessie Quinn, Flow Space, 23 Sep. 2025
The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: anagen (the growth period), catagen (the transition period) and telogen (the rest period).
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Scalp health has a major impact on hair growth, and improving blood circulation is important for the anagen phase of the hair-growth cycle.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2025
During anagen, the hair follicle will produce a new shaft–the part of the follicle that pokes above the skin.
—Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2025
Your hair has three stages of growth: the anagen stage, the catagen stage, and the telogen stage.
—Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
These cells are responsible for the regeneration of hair during the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle.
—Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anagen. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
anagen
noun
an·a·gen
ˈan-ə-ˌjen
: the active phase of the hair growth cycle that precedes catagen and telogen, that is marked by rapid division and differentiation of cells in the lower portion of the hair follicle and by lengthening of the hair shaft, and that typically lasts between two to six years
Note: At any given time, approximately 80% to 90% of hair follicles are in anagen.
The initial step, anagen, provides the active growth of the hair fiber, during which cells at the base of the follicle rapidly divide.—Damaris Christensen
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