The Proportion of Catagen and Telogen Hair Follicles in Occipital Scalp of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Patients: Challenging the Established Dogma

This study challenges the established belief regarding the proportion of hair follicles in different growth stages in male androgenetic alopecia patients. Traditionally, it is believed that most hair follicles are in the anagen phase (85%-90%), with fewer in telogen (10%-15%) and catagen (1%-2%). However, by examining hair follicles from the occipital scalp of 14 Caucasian males using ex vivo stereomicroscopic methods, the researchers found that catagen follicles were more prevalent (7.5%) than telogen follicles (3.5%). This suggests that the percentage of catagen follicles has been underestimated, prompting a reevaluation of the current understanding of hair follicle cycling.