Question

Human hair, on the average, grows about:

a) 1/4 (.6cm) per month
b) 1 (2.54cm) per month
c) 1/2 (1.25cm) per month
d) 1 1/2 (3.75cm) per month

Answer 1

Human hair grows at an average rate of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) per month, involving three growth phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

In humans, hair grows everywhere on the body except for a few specific areas. Hair growth occurs at an average rate of about half an inch (1.25 cm) per month, which translates to approximately 6 inches (15 cm) a year. This growth process consists of three phases: the anagen phase, where active growth occurs; the catagen phase, a transitional period; and the telogen phase, where the hair follicle is at rest and no new growth happens. During the anagen phase, a hair's length is primarily established over the span of several years. Daily, hair growth follows a rate of about 0.3 mm and on average, we lose and replace roughly 50 hairs per day.