Miniaturization, how it progresses

From what I’ve seen, it seems like hair miniaturization progresses over several hair cycles and happens after a hair sheds. Is this the only way that it can occur?  I have semi-long hair and I’ve noticed that the hair I shed appears to get thinner over time, as in it tapers from thick to thin towards the root – is this hair miniaturization? If so, what makes this different from “normal” miniaturization?

Yes, a miniaturized hair can regrow again and then undergo further miniaturization. I have seen single hair shafts that are thinner at the exit point in the scalp then they are at the long end.