The hair cycle consists of three phases. The first phase is known as anagen. This phase of growth typically lasts between four and five years. During the second phase, catagen, growth ceases over a period of two to three weeks. In the third phase, telogen, the hair falls out. This occurs over the course of months, as the bulbar zone of the hair follicle regresses and the hair shaft detaches, then sheds. Alopecia (hair loss) occurs when this process ceases to recycle due to DHT. Each hair is formed by a dermal papilla, which yields a hair bulb then an actual hair, through the cell division of keratinocytes (the cells that yield keratin- the substance of which hair is mainly composed). Obeying an internal clock, each papilla, located at the base of the hair follicle, receives a growth message necessary to trigger the restarting of the cycle of natural renewal of the hair. Hair cells are formed by the interaction between the dermis and the epidermis. A message relayed by the connective tissue prompts the formation of a primary bud. The bud sends and receives messages through the surrounding connective tissue, gradually turning into a hair follicle under the influence of these messages. This zone is particularly rich in collagens which maintain and promote the communication necessary for hair growth. Collagen IV and Laminin 5 are important as they make up the basement membrane- the anchor zone for the epidermis and dermis- and between the root sheath of hairs and the dermis. This is also the zone in which dihydrotestosterone (DHT) does it's damage. The stimulation and enhancement of this communication-facilitating layer is the target zone of Procapil®. The healthy maintenance, reproduction, and connectivity of these cells helps to invigorate your scalp and prevent hair thinning and hair loss due to alopecia.