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
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The follicle first actively grows for around 30 days in the anagen phase.
—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 June 2026
Defining Telogen Effluvium Telogen effluvium is triggered by a shift in hairs from the anagen—or actively growing—phase, to the telogen, or resting, phase.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 28 May 2026
Capixyl increases the anagen (growth) phase, which boosts hair growth and promotes thicker, healthier hair.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 May 2026
In scalp hair follicles, the anagen phase can persist for several years, allowing continuous elongation of the hair shaft before the follicle transitions to catagen and telogen.
—Kara Rogers, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
Minoxidil works by prolonging the anagen phase, allowing hair to grow longer and fuller before eventually transitioning into the rest period.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
By revitalizing dormant follicles and promoting the transition from the telogen phase back to anagen, minoxidil reduces the overall quantity of hair lost.
—Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Hair growth happens on a cycle over several months and this type of hair loss causes hair to move from the anagen (growth) phase to the telogen (rest) phase, causing hair shedding.
—Brianna Peters, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025
The first is the anagen or growth phase.
—Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025
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Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 June 2026
Defining Telogen Effluvium Telogen effluvium is triggered by a shift in hairs from the anagen—or actively growing—phase, to the telogen, or resting, phase.
—Jana Pollack, Parents, 28 May 2026
Capixyl increases the anagen (growth) phase, which boosts hair growth and promotes thicker, healthier hair.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 May 2026
In scalp hair follicles, the anagen phase can persist for several years, allowing continuous elongation of the hair shaft before the follicle transitions to catagen and telogen.
—Kara Rogers, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
Minoxidil works by prolonging the anagen phase, allowing hair to grow longer and fuller before eventually transitioning into the rest period.
—Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
By revitalizing dormant follicles and promoting the transition from the telogen phase back to anagen, minoxidil reduces the overall quantity of hair lost.
—Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Hair growth happens on a cycle over several months and this type of hair loss causes hair to move from the anagen (growth) phase to the telogen (rest) phase, causing hair shedding.
—Brianna Peters, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025
The first is the anagen or growth phase.
—Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 14 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anagen. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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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