What name is given to the process by which hair is shed from the hair follicle?

The process by which hair is shed from the hair follicle is known as the exogen phase. During this phase, old hair strands are released from the follicle and fall out.

To understand this better, it's important to recognize the different phases of the hair growth cycle:

• The anagen phase is when the hair is actively growing. This phase can last several years, depending on the individual and the hair type.
• The catagen phase is a transitional stage where hair growth slows and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts a short period and prepares the hair for shedding.
• The telogen phase is a resting phase after the hair has completed its growth and before it sheds. While the hair is technically still attached to the follicle during this stage, it is not actively growing.

The exogen phase specifically refers to the shedding itself, making it the correct response. It is in this phase that the old hair is released from the follicle, which is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Understanding these distinct phases is crucial for those in the cosmetology field as it influences hair care practices and treatments.