A telogen effluvium hair follicle is a hair follicle that is no longer actively growing a hair fiber. It will look like a miniaturized follicle in comparison to a normal growing hair follicle. It will be shorter in length, possibly translucent in appearance, and will have a decreased amount of connective tissue and pigment.
The dermal papilla, which is the part of the follicle that contains the stem cells needed for continued hair growth, will also appear smaller compared to a regular hair follicle. At the base of the telogen effluvium hair follicle, a lot of dead cells will accumulate, giving the follicle a worn out or aged appearance.
In addition, the telogen effluvium hair follicle will have a decreased blood supply, making it more prone to breakage when pulled.
Table of Contents
How do I know if my hair loss is telogen effluvium?
If you’re noticing an increase in hair loss, it’s important to consider whether it is telogen effluvium. In order to confirm a diagnosis of telogen effluvium, it is best to speak with a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
In addition to a physical exam, they may want to check your blood work for any signs of thyroid or other medical issues.
When experiencing telogen effluvium, you may notice an increase in hair shedding, usually after about three months following a trauma such as stress or illness. There is typically no redness, scaling, or itching that accompanies the hair shedding.
The hair sheds in a diffuse pattern and the hair shafts may appear small, broken and brittle. Diffuse thinning of the hair may be noticed after months of having no issues. It can also accompany hair shedding, giving you a thinner look.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if you suspect you may be experiencing telogen effluvium as it can impact the emotional and psychological wellbeing. They may suggest treatments such as nutritional counseling or medication to help reduce hair loss and encourage regrowth.
How long does it take to notice telogen effluvium?
It typically takes several months to notice the effects of telogen effluvium, as the shedding of hair is often gradual. Telogen effluvium marks the end of the normal hair growth cycle, so if it is present, it is likely that the hair had been thinning out for some time before it was noticeable.
The telogen phase usually lasts for three months which is why it often takes this long for people to realize why their hair is thinning so much. It is important to note, however, that the time frame for the effects of telogen effluvium can vary from person to person.
Does hair texture change with telogen effluvium?
Yes, hair texture can change with telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss condition where more follicles enter the telogen or resting state than normal and cause excessive shedding of the hair.
The texture of the hair may become finer, thinner, and shorter as a result of the excessive shedding. Also, more brittle and weak hair may result because the follicles are not able to undergo a normal growth cycle.
In most cases, the changes in texture are temporary, and once the condition is treated, the hair should go back to its normal texture. However, if the condition is not treated and continues to progress, lasting changes to the texture may be seen.
Does hair grow back after telogen phase?
Yes, hair does grow back after the telogen phase. This is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. During the telogen phase, also known as the resting phase, hair follicles are inactive and stop producing hair.
At the end of the telogen phase, the hair follicles slowly start to regrow and enter the anagen phase, which is the growth phase of the hair cycle. The anagen phase typically lasts anywhere from two to six years, depending on the individual and their genetics.
During the anagen phase, hair cells rapidly divide and new hair is produced. As the follicle continues to produce new hair, it pushes the old strands out, which is what we recognize as hair growth. So, yes, hair does grow back after the telogen phase.
How long is the telogen phase of hair growth?
The telogen phase of hair growth is the final stage of the hair growth cycle, and typically lasts around 3-4 months. During this phase, hair follicles stop growing and remain dormant until the cycle begins again.
New hairs will begin to replace the hairs that were shed during the telogen phase. During this phase as well, your scalp may feel itchy or you may notice new regrowth. This phase is important in maintaining a healthy scalp and hair, as it allows the hair follicles to take a break while still replacing the follicle with a new, healthy hair.
What shampoo is good for telogen effluvium?
When dealing with telogen effluvium, it’s essential to use gentle cleansers and shampoos since the delicate scalp can easily be irritated. Look for products that are specifically formulated for this condition and suited for daily use.
Shampoos should be sulfate-free, as sulfates can strip natural oils that are especially important when dealing with telogen effluvium. They should also be silicone-free, since silicones can coat the scalp and prevent essential nutrients and vitamins from nourishing it.
Look for shampoos containing moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, tea tree oil, rosemary and lavender oil, and vitamin B complex, as these may help ease the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
Avoid products containing fragrances, alcohol and other artificial ingredients, as these are often too harsh for the delicate scalp and can increase irritation and further worsen the condition. In addition to specialty medical shampoos, you can also try more natural options such as khadi, Arya, Chi and Sevi.
These are designed to be gentle and can be used to support the scalp while it is recovering from telogen effluvium.
How can I regrow my hair after telogen?
Regrowing your hair after telogen- the most common hair-loss stage- can be a slow and challenging process, but it is possible. One of the first steps to regrowth is to ensure your hair is getting the nourishment it needs.
This includes eating a balanced diet, consuming enough protein, and taking a supplement that contains biotin to increase hair growth. Secondly, you may want to try some home-remedies such as massaging your scalp with essential oils, aloe vera gel, or garlic paste to help stimulate hair growth.
Additionally, it is important to avoid hairstyles that are too tight as this will cause further damage, as well as using heat styling tools and chemicals like straighteners and dyes which can damage the hair follicles.
Lastly, if your hair loss is more extreme or if natural hair regrowth fails, your doctor may be able to provide further treatments, including medications or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy.
Is the telogen phase permanent?
No, the telogen phase is not permanent. This is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and usually lasts between 2-3 months. During this phase, older hairs will eventually shed while new hairs are being produced in the anagen phase.
While the telogen phase helps make room for new hairs, once the new hairs reach their full length it is the body’s natural response to enter the telogen phase once again.
Will my hair become thick again after telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a common form of hair loss that is usually temporary, and yes it is possible for your hair to return to a thicker state after the shedding has phased out. However, for some people this may take some time before the natural hair growth cycle returns to normal.
It is important to remember that telogen effluvium is a response to a trigger such as stress, a traumatic event, or an underlying medical condition. As such, while it is possible for your hair to become thick again, it is important to identify the original trigger in order to help manage and control future episodes.
Making some lifestyle changes may help speed up the process. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet, exercising regularly whenever possible, managing stress levels, and taking vitamins to stimulate hair growth may help stimulate new hair growth.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to use an over-the-counter hair growth treatment, or applying topical creams that contain CBD oil, biotin, Chinese herbs, or minoxidil as these may help trigger hair growth.
However, speak to your doctor before doing so as they may be able to recommend a more effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Finally, do not be tempted to use chemical treatments or other practices such as tight braiding or plaiting as this may worsen the problem. Keep in mind that telogen effluvium is usually temporary and can last 2-6 months before the hair growth cycle resumes, but in some cases it can take up to a year for hair to fully grow back.
So be patient, follow the above tips and your hair should begin to appear thicker in the near future.
Does telogen effluvium stop suddenly?
Telogen effluvium does not typically stop suddenly, but generally occurs in cycles. It typically begins with a shock to the system, such as childbirth, significant weight loss, extreme stress, or a major surgery.
After the shock, the body will typically enter a period of telogen effluvium, which can last anywhere from two to four months. During this time, the body usually sheds more hair than normal and may even cease growing new hair in some cases.
After the telogen effluvium period, the body typically enters a regrowth period in which new hair begins to replace the shed hair. This regrowth period may take anywhere from six months to a year to complete.
It is important to note that the body may experience several episodes of telogen effluvium before the hair follicles are able to return to their normal cycle of shedding and regrowth.
Telogen effluvium does not usually stop suddenly, and people may continue to experience hair loss until the body’s cycle is able to return to normal. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if you are experiencing hair loss, as there may be medical treatments or lifestyle changes that can help reduce the amount of hair loss and promote healthy hair regrowth.
