catagen

noun

cat·​a·​gen ˈka-tə-ˌjen 

: a short transitional phase of the hair growth cycle between anagen and telogen that usually lasts between 10 to 20 days and during which the lower portion of the hair follicle regresses and hair growth ends

In catagen, the hair follicle stops producing the fiber and regresses, shrinking dramatically.

—Damaris Christensen

Examples of catagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The average hair growth cycle occurs in three phases: the growing phase (anagen) which can last up to six years until the regressing phase occurs (catagen), before the hair sheds in the (telogen) resting phase. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024

Normal, healthy hair growth occurs in four stages: Growth (anagen), transition (catagen), resting (telogen), and shedding (exogen). —Brenda Della Casa, Allure, 22 Mar. 2024

Alopecia areata's inflammatory immune response triggers a premature telogen or late catagen stage within the hair follicles. —Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024

After the anagen growth phase, the lashes enter a 15-day catagen phase, in which the eyelashes stop growing before entering the third and final telogen (or resting) phase. —Lindsay Modglin, Health, 22 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

cata- + -gen

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

catagen

noun

cat·​a·​gen ˈka-tə-ˌjen 

: a short transitional phase of the hair growth cycle between anagen and telogen that usually lasts between 10 to 20 days and during which the lower portion of the hair follicle regresses and hair growth ends

Anagen is followed by a regressive stage called catagen, of about two to three weeks, then a resting stage, telogen, of about three months.

—C. Claiborne Ray

In catagen, the hair follicle stops producing the fiber and regresses, shrinking dramatically.

—Damaris Christensen