What Is Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common types of temporary hair loss. It usually happens a few months after a big change in your body — like stress, illness, or hormonal shifts. If you’re losing more hair than usual in the shower or on your pillow, this could be the reason.

This condition doesn’t cause bald patches. Instead, your hair may look thinner across your scalp, especially at the crown or temples. The good news? It’s temporary. With the right support, your hair will likely grow back over time.

How the Hair Cycle Works

To understand why telogen effluvium happens, let’s break down the hair growth cycle.

Hair grows in four main phases. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most of your hair is usually in the growth phase, called anagen.. First, the anagen phase begins. This is the active growth phase and can last years. Then comes catagen, a short transition phase. After that, your hair enters telogen, the resting stage. Finally, hair reaches the exogen phase, when it naturally sheds and makes space for new growth.

Most of your hair remains in the anagen phase. However, during telogen effluvium, a higher percentage of strands enter the resting phase too soon. As a result, you may notice increased shedding all at once.

What Causes Telogen Effluvium?

There are several reasons why this shift may occur. Often, telogen effluvium is the body’s reaction to a major disruption. For example, high levels of stress can push hair into the telogen phase early. Likewise, a recent illness, surgery, or infection may have the same effect.

Hormonal changes also play a role. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or stopping birth control can all impact hair cycles. In addition, nutrition matters. If your diet lacks protein, iron, or key vitamins, your hair may struggle to grow normally.

Furthermore, certain medications may contribute to temporary hair loss. These include antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and treatments for acne. Rapid weight loss or crash diets can also shock the system, leading to similar effects.

In short, your hair responds to what your body is going through. Therefore, finding the root cause is the first step in recovery.

Natural Ways to Support Hair Regrowth

Although telogen effluvium often improves on its own, there are ways to encourage healthy regrowth. With small lifestyle changes, many people see their hair bounce back faster.

First, start with your diet. Focus on protein-rich meals, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense options like leafy greens, eggs, and beans. If needed, consider adding a multivitamin to cover any gaps.

Next, massage your scalp. This simple habit can increase blood flow to hair follicles. Use your fingertips or a soft scalp brush for a few minutes at a time. When paired with oils like rosemary, this routine becomes even more effective.

Additionally, try using rosemary oil. Studies suggest it can boost circulation and improve hair density. Just mix a few drops with a carrier oil, apply it to the scalp, and rinse after 30 minutes.

Don’t forget stress management. Hair growth depends on a calm, supported nervous system. Try daily breathwork, movement, or time in nature to help reduce tension.

Lastly, avoid harsh treatments. Skip the bleach, limit heat styling, and stay away from tight hairstyles. During recovery, your hair and scalp need time to reset.

When to Ask for Help

Usually, telogen effluvium improves within six months. However, if you notice ongoing shedding or patchiness, speak to a healthcare provider. They can run tests to rule out thyroid issues, anemia, or other conditions that mimic telogen effluvium.

If you’re in the Mississauga area or nearby, Insula Hair Studio provides private consultations for women going through hair loss. While the condition is temporary, the emotional toll can be lasting. Our approach blends scalp health, personalized styling, and honest guidance to help you feel supported every step of the way.