Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the telogen (resting) phase simultaneously, leading to diffuse hair shedding. Common triggers include stress, illness, surgery, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies. The good news is that this type of hair loss is often temporary and reversible.
Unlike androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium does not follow a pattern — hair falls out evenly across the entire scalp. The follicles themselves are not damaged, so once the trigger is removed, the hair growth cycle returns to normal.
Triggering event occurs (stress, illness, surgery, etc.)
Noticeable hair shedding begins (follicles that entered telogen start releasing hairs)
Peak shedding period — 200-300+ hairs per day
Shedding slows as new anagen hairs begin growing
Visible regrowth — new short hairs appear, density begins returning
Full recovery — hair returns to pre-shedding density
Surgery, illness, high fever, COVID-19, accident
Grief, anxiety, major life changes, job loss
Postpartum, menopause, stopping birth control, thyroid disorders
Iron deficiency, crash dieting, protein deficiency, vitamin D deficiency
Beta blockers, retinoids, antidepressants, blood thinners
Anemia, autoimmune diseases, chronic illness
Identify and resolve the stressor — treat the illness, correct the deficiency, manage the stress. This is the most important step.
Ensure adequate iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and protein intake. Blood tests can identify specific deficiencies.
Hair regrowth takes time. New hairs typically take 6-12 months to become cosmetically noticeable. Avoid the temptation to try unproven remedies.
Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments, and excessive heat styling during recovery. Use a wide-tooth comb.
While not required (TE resolves on its own), minoxidil can potentially speed up the regrowth timeline. Discuss with your dermatologist.
Acute telogen effluvium typically lasts 3-6 months. Hair shedding usually begins 2-3 months after the triggering event and resolves once the trigger is removed. Full recovery (visible regrowth) takes 6-12 months. Chronic telogen effluvium (lasting over 6 months) is less common and may require medical evaluation.
Normal daily shedding is 50-100 hairs. In telogen effluvium, you may lose 200-300+ hairs per day. You'll notice significantly more hair in your brush, shower drain, and on your pillow. The shedding is diffuse (all over) rather than in patches.
No — telogen effluvium is almost always temporary and fully reversible. The hair follicles are not damaged; they are simply pushed into the resting phase prematurely. Once the trigger is addressed, normal hair growth resumes. However, if the trigger is chronic (ongoing stress, nutritional deficiency), the shedding can persist.
Common triggers include: physical or emotional stress, surgery, illness or high fever, crash dieting or nutritional deficiency, childbirth (postpartum shedding), stopping birth control pills, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, and certain medications. COVID-19 has also been widely reported as a trigger.
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