Telogen Effluvium: Sudden Hair Shedding

What Is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen Effluvium (TE) is a type of diffuse, non-scarring hair shedding. Normally, hair grows in a cycle: a growth (anagen) phase, a transition (catagen) phase, and a resting/shedding (telogen) phase. TE occurs when a significant number of hairs prematurely leave the growth phase (anagen) and enter the telogen phase, causing an abnormally high rate of shedding.

In a healthy scalp, about 85–90% of hairs are in the anagen (growth) phase, around 1–2% are in the catagen (transition) phase, and roughly 10–15% are in the telogen (resting) phase. When Telogen Effluvium occurs, a larger number of hairs are prematurely pushed out of anagen into the telogen phase, leading to noticeable shedding and thinning across the scalp.

People often see large amounts of hair falling out — in the shower, on pillows, or caught in a brush — which is what typically drives them to seek help.

Common Triggers of TE

Several types of stressors can push hair follicles into early rest. Some well-recognized culprits include:

1. Surgery or serious trauma — The body prioritizes healing over hair growth.

2. High fever or severe illness — Infections with prolonged fever can disrupt hair cycling.

3. Crash dieting or rapid weight loss — Nutritional deficits (especially protein, iron) starve follicles of needed resources.

4. Systemic disease — Thyroid disorders, autoimmune issues, metabolic imbalances, chronic illness.

5. Emotional or psychological stress — Life events, grief, chronic stress can trigger shedding.

6. Medication changes or use — Some drugs (anticoagulants, antidepressants, retinoids, etc.) are known triggers.

7. Toxic exposures — Chemical insults or environmental toxins that affect scalp or follicle health.

Because TE is a reactionary process, the trigger often occurred 2–3 months prior to when shedding becomes noticeable.

How TE Presents

• Diffuse shedding — thinning is spread across the scalp, not in patches.

• Club hairs — many of the shed hairs have a small white bulb (a sign they were in telogen).

• Scalp looks normal — no scarring, no inflamed patches, no pain or redness.

• Onset delay — shedding typically begins weeks or months after the trigger.

It’s important to differentiate TE from other hair loss conditions like androgenetic (pattern) hair loss or scarring alopecias, which have distinct patterns, signs, or inflammatory changes on the scalp.

Can Hair Recover?

Yes — TE is in most cases reversible. Once the trigger is identified and removed or treated, hair follicles are generally intact and capable of returning to normal cycling. 

• Acute TE tends to resolve in 3 to 6 months. 

• Chronic TE (shedding persisting over 6 months) requires deeper evaluation for ongoing or hidden factors.

• Regrowth may lag behind ending the trigger, so patience is key.

Steps to Support Hair Recovery

Here are strategies you can implement (or suggest to clients) to help hair bounce back:

• Find & address the root cause — Whether it’s a medication, nutrient deficiency, thyroid issue, stressor, or illness.

• Optimize nutrition — Adequate protein, iron, zinc, biotin, vitamins, and general micronutrients matter.

• Manage stress — Techniques like meditation, good sleep, movement, and mind–body practices can be very helpful.

• Use gentle hair care — Avoid harsh chemical treatments, tight styles, extreme heat. Be gentle on the scalp.

• Supportive therapies — Medical and aesthetic treatments can accelerate recovery when used appropriately.

Jet Plasma: A Modern Tool in Hair Restoration

One advanced, non-invasive option to support regrowth is Jet Plasma therapy, which is increasingly used by clinics to help reactive TE and thinning hair.

How it works & why it helps:

• Jet Plasma creates microchannels in the scalp, which help increase absorption of active growth serums and nutrients. 

• It stimulates blood flow and circulation, encouraging nutrient and oxygen delivery to hair follicles. 

• It can activate dormant follicle cells or stem cells in the scalp to re-enter a growth phase. 

• It supports scalp health by reducing inflammation and improving the microenvironment for follicles.

Because Jet Plasma is needle-free, non-destructive, and with minimal downtime, it’s an attractive option for those who want advanced support without the invasiveness of injections or surgery.

Clinics often pair Jet Plasma sessions (6–8 treatments) with supportive topical serums, peptides, growth factors, or exosome-based infusions to maximize regrowth.

Telogen Effluvium is a dramatic but often temporary reaction to a systemic shock. Most clients can recover full or near-full density if the trigger is managed, and proper support is given. Incorporating powerful-but-safe modalities like Jet Plasma into a holistic hair restoration plan can help accelerate recovery, improve follicle responsiveness, and give clients confidence in the path ahead.

**A series of 8 sessions using recommended home care and 20 minutes of Red LED light therapy.