Telogen effluvium is an extremely common type of hair loss. In fact, it's the most common type of hair loss. It also happens to be fully reversible! While the initial loss of hair and patchiness can be alarming, this is one of the most easily treatable hair loss conditions that we see at Mane Image.
Of course, even with the assurance that your hair will eventually grow back, we understand that hair loss of any kind can be a struggle. That's why we do our best to educate our clients about the causes of hair loss as well as the many hair loss treatment options that we offer. Today's focus will be on (you guessed it!) telogen effluvium. This common culprit of hair loss is pretty straightforward, but let's break it down into digestible chunks!
What is Telogen Effluvium?
So, what exactly is telogen effluvium? There are several types of hair loss that are referred to as "effluvium," which simply means "an outflow." Each effluvium is associated with a disruption of some phase of your natural growth cycle. The normal growth cycle of your hair goes something like this:
- Anagen- This is the growth phase. Normally, 80% to 90% of hair is in this phase at any given time.
- Catagen- This is a short transitional phase. This phase only lasts for 10 to 20 days and consists of the follicle regressing as hair growth slows and finally stops.
- Telogen- This is the resting phase during which the follicles are dormant. This phase usually lasts for 90 to 100 days and should account for 8% to 10% of your hair at any given time.
Telogen effluvium is the result of too many hair follicles remaining dormant in the resting stage. This results in a significant decrease in hair-producing follicles which leads to excessive shedding and, eventually, hair loss. People experiencing telogen effluvium never experience complete hair loss and the dormancy of the follicles is temporary.
What Causes Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium can be caused by a variety of factors, but most often it is triggered by some shock to the body's system. One very common example is giving birth. The rapid change in hormones associated with becoming a mother is one way that the follicles can be "shocked" into the resting phase. Additional causes include physical traumas such as car accidents and undergoing surgery. Poor nutrition and extreme weight loss can also lead to telogen effluvium. Once the stressor has been alleviated, the body will recover and reset, allowing the follicles to return to their typical pattern of growth.
What Can I Do to Reverse Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss?
If you are experiencing telogen effluvium your hair will grow back with time. Of course, there are some things you can do to help it along. To begin with, rid your body of as much stress as you can. If you can identify the cause of your "shocked" system, you can do your best to avoid it or take action to move on from it. Additionally, you can help your follicles get back into action with laser hair growth therapy, scalp massages, topical thickening creams, and regrowth products, all of which are available at Mane Image.
At Mane Image we treat every kind of hair loss imaginable. We see hair loss of all stages, on people from all walks of life and we know that every case is as unique as you are. Don't let hair loss get the better of you! Our team of hair loss solution specialists can help you fight back and reclaim your hair. Please contact us for a free consultation! With our unmatched expertise, discreet treatment options, and a team that cares about your satisfaction, you can count on Mane Image to deliver the very best in hair loss solutions.
