Which of the following phases is NOT part of the hair growth cycle?

The hair growth cycle consists of three primary phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

The anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair, during which the hair follicle is highly productive, causing the hair shaft to grow in length. This phase can last for years, depending on the individual and the specific hair type.

The catagen phase is a transitional phase that occurs after anagen, where the growth slows down, and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts for a few weeks and marks the end of active hair growth.

The telogen phase is the resting phase, where the hair follicle is inactive, and the existing hair is shed to make way for new growth in the next anagen phase. This phase can last several months.

The term proliferation refers to the process of cell division and growth in tissues, but it is not a recognized phase of the hair growth cycle. Instead, it pertains to general cellular processes rather than the specific stages that hair undergoes during its lifecycle. Thus, the choice regarding proliferation is not part of the hair growth cycle.