Each hair on your head grows in a characteristic cycle with several phases. First, the hair follicle is in ANAGEN (Growth) phase for 2-6 years during which the hair grows. Next comes Catagen (transition) for 1-2 weeks , where the hair stops growing and follicle shrinks and detaches from the skin. Final phase is the Telogen (fall out) phase for 5-6 weeks, when the hair is released or “falls out”. During this phase, that hair follicle remains inactive (no new hair growth). After the hair falls out, the follicle returns to Anagen phase, and grows new hair and the cycle begins again.

Due to several causes, such as aging, hormones, DHT, lack of proper nutrition, stress etc - the follicles shrink over time, and produce shorter, and thinner hair with each cycle and eventually stop producing altogether. This process is called miniaturization. This is what we call androgenic alopecia.