Which of the following is a phase of the hair growth cycle?

The anagen phase is a crucial stage in the hair growth cycle, representing the active growth period of the hair follicle. During this phase, hair cells divide rapidly, causing the hair to grow in length. Typically, the anagen phase can last several years, determining the maximum length of the hair. This phase is vital because the longer hair remains in the anagen stage, the longer it can grow.

While the telogen phase marks the resting state, and the catagen phase indicates a transitional stage where the hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle, these phases do not contribute to active hair growth in the same way as the anagen phase. The exogen phase refers to the shedding of hair, which again is not a growth phase. The significance of the anagen phase lies in its direct impact on hair health, density, and overall appearance.