California Cosmetology Written ExamHair RemovalMedium
A cosmetology instructor is teaching students about the natural hair growth cycle. What is the correct chronological order of the three phases of hair growth?
- ACatagen, Anagen, Telogen
- BAnagen, Telogen, Catagen
- CAnagen, Catagen, Telogen
- DTelogen, Anagen, Catagen
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Anagen, Catagen, Telogen
Hair growth follows a repeating cycle: Anagen (active growth), followed by Catagen (transitional, follicle shrinks), followed by Telogen (resting, hair sheds), and then the cycle repeats with a new Anagen phase.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reverses the first two phases; Anagen must come before Catagen.
- B. Skips Catagen's placement, putting Telogen before Catagen incorrectly.
- D. Places resting before active growth, which is incorrect order.
Hair Growth Cycle Order
The three phases of hair growth occur in a repeating sequence: Anagen, Catagen, then Telogen.
- Anagen = active growth phase
- Catagen = short transitional phase
- Telogen = resting/shedding phase, then cycle restarts
Memory trick: 'A Cat Takes a nap' = Anagen, Catagen, Telogen