Utah Esthetics Written State Practice Exam

What does the catagen stage of hair growth signify?

1. Decreased hair growth

2. Hair loss

3. Mature, fully grown hair

4. Initial growth of hair

The correct answer is: Mature, fully grown hair

The catagen stage of hair growth is an important transitional phase in the hair growth cycle, following the anagen (growth) phase and preceding the telogen (resting) phase. During this stage, which lasts for a few weeks, hair follicles shrink and the hair actually detaches itself from the follicle, though it does not immediately fall out. This means that while the hair may not be actively growing, it is not yet lost, and it can still be classified as a mature, fully grown hair that is undergoing a natural cycle. In contrast, options that reference decreased hair growth, hair loss, or initial growth do not accurately represent the characteristics of the catagen phase. Although hair growth decreases during this stage, it is incorrect to define this phase solely by that aspect, as the hair is still mature at this point.