What characterizes the telogen phase of hair growth?

The telogen phase of hair growth is characterized by the shedding of hair. During this stage, hair follicles remain inactive, and the hair that is in the telogen phase is considered to be resting. Typically, this phase can last several weeks to a few months, and at the end of this period, the hair is naturally shed, making way for new hair to enter the anagen phase, which is the active growth phase.

In contrast, the other options describe different phases or functions of hair growth. For example, actively growing hair occurs during the anagen phase, where hair follicles are busy producing new cells. Transitional growth occurs in the catagen phase, where the hair starts to prepare for shedding. Repairing does not specifically occur during any defined phase of hair growth but refers to the overall health of the hair and scalp.