the 3 stages of hair loss

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Hair growth follows a natural cycle with three key phases. At any given time, each hair on your scalp is in one of these phases. When this balance is disrupted thinning and slower regrowth can occur. Many treatments aim to extend the growth phase and restore balance, promoting thicker, healthier hair.

1 Anagen

Anagen

Growth Phase

  • This the active growth stage where hair is produced from the follicle. It can last anywhere from 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics and overall health. The longer your hair stays in this phase, the longer and thicker it can grow. Around 85–90% of the hairs on a healthy scalp are in this phase at any given time.
2 Catagen

Catagen

Transition Phase

  • A brief, transitional stage that lasts around 2–3 weeks. During catagen, hair growth slows, and the follicle begins to shrink and detach from its blood supply. Only a small percentage of hairs (around 5%) are in this stage at once, but it’s a crucial part of the cycle that prepares the follicle to rest and reset.
3 Telogen

Telogen

Resting & Shedding Phase

  • This final phase lasts roughly 3–4 months. The follicle rests, and the hair eventually sheds — often noticed as hair fall during brushing or washing. A new hair will then begin to grow in its place, starting the cycle over again. Around 10–15% of hairs are in telogen at any time.
Doctor image

STAGE 1 - EARLY SIGNS

Thinning and shedding

You may notice more hair falling in the shower, a widening parting, or a general change in thickness and fullness. Early-stage hair loss is often influenced by factors like hormones, stress, or genetics.

✔ Prescription hair care: Telehealth consultations that may result in a prescription for topical or oral haircare medications

✔ Low-level light therapy: Applies red light to the scalp to help circulation and support follicles.

✔ Fotona HAIRestart laser: Non-invasive treatment that applies targeted thermal energy to the scalp to help activate hair follicles

✔ Scalp microneedling: Minimally invasive treatment where micro-needles create micro-injuries to the scalp to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

✔ Growth factor therapy/PRF treatments: A small sample of your blood is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors, which are then used in targeted areas of the scalp to support hair and skin health.

✔ Exomide Scalp Exosomes: Uses nano-sized cellular messengers to stimulate hair follicle stem cells and trigger natural regrowth, best suited for clients 40+ years of age.

Treatment plans generally range from 6 weeks to 6 months and aim to help maintain density, improve hair thickness and slow the progression of hair loss.

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STAGE 2 - MID-STAGE

Visible thinning or patchy areas

You might notice increased scalp visibility, especially at the crown or part line. This stage can feel more noticeable but there are still several treatment possibilities we can discuss with you.

✔ Combination therapy: Pairing therapies to support several aspects of hair health at once. Your treatment plan may include Fotona laserPRF and Exosome Therapy or Scalp Microneedling and Growth Factor Therapy.

✔ Prescription hair care: Topical or oral medications may be prescribed to complement in-clinic treatments.

✔ Scalp treatments: deep scalp wash may help maintain the scalp environment and improve circulation

Timelines typically range from 3–9 months, depending on the plan.

Doctor image

STAGE 3 - ADVANCED HAIR LOSS

Significant thinning or balding

By this stage, you may have a receding hairline, larger areas of scalp showing, or full bald patches. Density is typically lower, and regrowth in some areas may be limited.

✔ Hair transplant consultation: If follicles are no longer present in certain areas, it may be time to discuss a hair transplant.

✔ FotonaHAIRestart Laser, PRF, exomide and microneedling: These treatments (or a combination of them) may help strengthen remaining hair and maintain surrounding areas.

Timelines typically range from 3–9 months, depending on the plan.

VIEW ALL TREATMENTS
Real Results

Gro has supported over 15,000+ Australians with their hair restoration journey.

See the incredible transformations from our satisfied customers across Australia.

Before image for David After image for David
Performed by Dr Anwar Al-Abedi Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0002571399

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Age 37 Thinning Balding Hair Transplant 9 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr David Ballantyne Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001212633

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Receding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr Adam Cho Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001200342

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Receding Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Thinning Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Thinning Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr David Ballantyne Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001212633

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Receding Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for Jackson After image for Jackson
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Age 29 Receding Hair Transplant 14 months
Before image for Matt After image for Matt
Performed by Dr Adam Cho Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001200342

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Age 30 Receding Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for Phillip After image for Phillip
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627

Disclaimer: Individual results vary. Images do not guarantee outcomes. All medical procedures carry risk. Please consult a registered health practitioner to assess your suitability.

Age 45 Thinning Hair Transplant Prescription Haircare
Before image for David After image for David
Performed by Dr Anwar Al-Abedi Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0002571399
Age 37 Thinning Balding Hair Transplant 9 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr David Ballantyne Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001212633
Receding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr Adam Cho Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001200342
Receding Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627
Thinning Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627
Thinning Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for After image for
Performed by Dr David Ballantyne Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001212633
Receding Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for Jackson After image for Jackson
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627
Age 29 Receding Hair Transplant 14 months
Before image for Matt After image for Matt
Performed by Dr Adam Cho Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001200342
Age 30 Receding Balding Hair Transplant 12 months
Before image for Phillip After image for Phillip
Performed by Dr Diana Phan Medical Practitioner – AHPRA No. MED0001202627
Age 45 Thinning Hair Transplant Prescription Haircare

REAL CLINICS. REAL DOCTORS. NEAR YOU.

We have clinics across Australia & New Zealand

Gro Clinics operates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, and Auckland. Each clinic follows consistent medical protocols and offers personalised consultations to assess suitability for hair restoration procedures.

Ready to visit your nearest clinic?

Your Hair Restoration Journey, Made Simple

Supportive guidance. Personalised options. Nationwide access.

1. Simple Booking

1. Simple Booking

Book your 15-minute discovery call online or over the phone - choose a time that suits you. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect.

2. In-Clinic Assessment

2. In-Clinic Assessment

If eligible, you’ll be invited for an in-clinic assessment, including a scalp evaluation and discussion of suitable treatment pathways.

3. Personalised Solutions

3. Personalised Solutions

We’ll guide you through the next steps and available options. Procedures and prescriptions are only provided after clinical assessment and doctor oversight.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS?

Here's everything you need to know

Have any additional questions about Gro Clinics' offerings or about your upcoming hair transplant? We have answers to some of the more commonly asked questions below:

Answers are general in nature and don’t replace medical advice. Outcomes vary.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you're considering hair restoration, you can book a 15-minute virtual information session with a trained Gro Clinics consultant.

We’ll walk you through the process, answer general questions, and explain next steps if you’re interested in an in-clinic assessment. This call is for general information only and not a medical consultation.

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