What is the telogen phase in the hair cycle?

The telogen phase in the hair cycle is indeed a resting phase during which the hair is not actively growing. During this phase, the hair follicles remain dormant for a period of time, which can last several weeks to months, depending on individual hair growth cycles. At the end of this phase, the hair is shed, making way for new hair to begin the growth phase, called anagen. This understanding is crucial for skin care professionals and those involved in hair removal practices, as recognizing the different stages of hair growth can influence treatment timing and effectiveness for hair removal procedures.

The other options describe phases that do not accurately represent the telogen phase. The growth phase refers to anagen, where hair actively elongates. The transitional phase does not correlate with telogen, and the development of hair pigments is not linked to the resting nature of telogen, making these descriptions inapplicable in defining this specific phase.