Hair growth follows a natural cycle, but various factors like aging, stress, diet, and scalp health can disrupt this process, leading to thinning and excessive hair loss. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on restoring balance within the body to support and prolong a healthy hair growth cycle, ensuring thicker, stronger hair.
The Four Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle
1. Anagen (Growth Phase) – The Foundation of Healthy Hair
The anagen phase is when hair actively grows from the follicles. This phase lasts 2 to 6 years, depending on genetics, health, and lifestyle. A longer anagen phase results in longer, thicker hair.
TCM Approach:
- Nourishing the blood (补血) – Hair health is linked to blood circulation. Herbs like Angelica Sinensis (当归) and Polygonum Multiflorum (何首乌) improve scalp blood flow, promoting strong hair growth.
- Strengthening the kidneys (固肾) – In TCM, the kidneys are believed to govern hair vitality. Consuming Goji Berries (枸杞子) and Rehmannia Root (熟地黄) supports hair strength and longevity.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase) – Preparing for Renewal
This is a short phase lasting about 2 weeks, where hair growth slows, and the follicle begins to shrink. Old hair detaches to make way for new growth.
TCM Approach:
- Regulating Qi flow (理气) – Stagnant Qi (vital energy) can hinder scalp circulation. Acupressure on points like Baihui (百会) and Fengchi (风池), along with herbal remedies such as Chuanxiong (川芎), helps maintain smooth Qi flow and prevent premature shedding.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase) – Natural Shedding Process
During this 3 to 4-month phase, old hair remains in the follicle before naturally falling out. It’s normal to lose 50–100 hairs daily in this stage, but excessive stress, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances can extend telogen, leading to noticeable hair loss.
TCM Approach:
- Clearing heat and dampness (清热除湿) – Excess heat and dampness in the body can clog follicles and weaken hair. Herbs like Scutellaria Baicalensis (黄芩) and Poria (茯苓) help detoxify and balance scalp health.
- Calming the mind (安神养心) – Stress disrupts hair’s natural cycle. TCM remedies like chrysanthemum (菊花) and jujube (红枣) teas, acupuncture, and meditation help restore inner balance.
4. Early Anagen (New Growth Phase) – Rebirth of Healthy Hair
After shedding, the follicle re-enters the anagen phase, and new hair begins to grow. A healthy scalp environment ensures stronger, thicker regrowth.
TCM Approach:
- Scalp nourishment (养头皮) – Applying TCM-infused scalp treatments, such as Lingzhi (灵芝) extracts or Ginger Root (姜根) oil, strengthens follicles and promotes new growth.
- Dietary support (食疗养发) – Consuming protein-rich foods, black sesame seeds (黑芝麻), walnuts (核桃), and seaweed (海藻) provides essential nutrients to boost hair regrowth.
How Many Hair Growth Cycles in a Lifetime?
On average, a person experiences 20 to 25 complete hair growth cycles throughout their lifetime. However, lifestyle choices, genetics, and overall health can impact the length and quality of each cycle. Prolonging the anagen phase and minimizing premature hair shedding is key to maintaining a full head of hair.
Prolonging the Growth Cycle Naturally with TCM
TCM offers holistic methods to prolong the anagen phase, prevent premature shedding, and ensure continuous, healthy hair growth:
- TCM Herbal Formulations – Strengthen blood circulation, nourish follicles, and regulate internal balance.
- Acupressure & Scalp Massage – Stimulate scalp blood flow and enhance nutrient absorption.
- Balanced Diet & Hydration – Incorporate TCM-approved superfoods to support hair strength.
- Mind-Body Wellness – Reduce stress with meditation, Tai Chi, or acupuncture for overall hair and scalp health.
Final Thoughts
A healthy hair growth cycle is the foundation of fuller, thicker, and stronger hair. Instead of just treating hair loss symptoms, TCM addresses the root cause by harmonizing internal balance and promoting scalp health. By integrating TCM principles, herbal remedies, and scalp care, you can extend your hair’s growth cycle and restore its natural vitality.
Xiong Jiao Shou combines time-honoured TCM wisdom with modern technology to optimize hair growth. Experience the difference today!
头发生长周期 & 中医养发智慧
头发的生长遵循自然规律，但年龄、压力、饮食和头皮健康等因素可能影响这个过程，导致头发变细、脱落增多。中医讲求平衡，通过调理身体内部环境，延长健康的生长期，让头发更浓密、更强韧。
头发生长的四个阶段
1. 生长期（Anagen）——头发的成长关键
这一阶段，毛囊持续生长，时间可长达2-6年，受遗传、健康状况和生活习惯影响。生长期越长，头发越浓密、越强壮。
中医养发思路：
- 补血生发：血液滋养毛囊，促进头发健康生长。当归、何首乌等中药能增强头皮血液循环，帮助毛发旺盛生长。
- 固肾养发：中医认为“肾主骨，其华在发”，肾气充足，头发才有活力。适量食用枸杞、熟地黄等，能增强发根韧性，延长生长期。
2. 退行期（Catagen）——头发更新的准备阶段
这个阶段持续约2周，毛囊开始收缩，旧发逐渐脱落，为新发腾出空间。
中医养发思路：
- 理气活血：气滞会影响头皮血液循环，导致头发提早进入退行期。按摩百会、风池等穴位，并结合川芎等中药，可促进气血流通，减少过早脱发。
3. 休止期（Telogen）——自然脱发阶段
此阶段持续3-4个月，毛囊处于休息状态，旧发最终脱落。每天掉50-100根属于正常，但压力、营养缺乏、荷尔蒙失衡可能让休止期延长，导致脱发加剧。
中医养发思路：
- 清热除湿：湿热过盛易堵塞毛囊，使头皮油腻、脱发加重。黄芩、茯苓等中药可帮助调理头皮环境，减少油脂堆积。
- 安神助眠：压力大会打乱头发生长周期。菊花、红枣茶有助于舒缓情绪，改善睡眠，间接促进头发健康生长。
4. 新生期（Early Anagen）——新发重生的开始
旧发脱落后，毛囊重新进入生长期，新发开始萌发。健康的头皮环境能让新生头发更粗壮、更有活力。
中医养发思路：
- 养护头皮：外用灵芝、生姜精华等草本护发成分，增强毛囊活力，促进新发生长。
- 食疗养发：摄取富含蛋白质的食物，如黑芝麻、核桃、海藻，提供毛囊所需营养，帮助新发生长。
我们一生中有多少个头发生长周期？
一般来说，一个人的头发可以经历20-25个完整的生长周期。但生活方式、遗传和身体健康状况都会影响每个周期的质量和长度。延长生长期、减少早衰脱落，是保持秀发浓密的关键。
如何用中医方法延长头发生长期？
- 草本养发配方：调理气血循环，滋养毛囊，平衡体内环境，帮助头发更健康地生长。
- 按摩头皮与穴位：促进血液流通，让毛囊获得更多养分，增强发质。
- 均衡饮食与补水：结合中医食疗，摄取有益头发的营养，增强发根韧性。
- 身心调理：冥想、太极、针灸等方法能舒缓压力，维护头皮健康，防止因情绪波动引起的脱发。
熊教授 – 让头发回归自然健康
熊教授结合中医千年智慧与现代护发科技，精选草本精华，科学配比，帮助延长头发生长期，减少脱发，让秀发重现浓密强韧。
草本养发，让头皮焕发生机，告别脱发困扰。