Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is temporary, diffuse hair shedding that starts two to three months after a trigger. Learn the causes, how it is diagnosed and recovery.
Supriya Bhandary
Founder, Soumm · 4 September 2026 · Updated 14 October 2026
What is telogen effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a common, non-scarring form of hair loss in which many hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase at the same time and then shed together. It causes diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than bald patches. (Hughes et al., StatPearls)
Common triggers
Shedding usually begins two to three months after a trigger such as high fever or serious illness, childbirth, major surgery, significant emotional stress, rapid weight loss, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, or starting or stopping certain medicines.
Diagnosis and recovery
A dermatologist diagnoses it from your history and an examination, sometimes with blood tests to look for treatable causes.
Acute telogen effluvium usually settles within about six months once the trigger resolves, with regrowth becoming visible over the following months. Shedding that continues beyond six months is called chronic telogen effluvium and needs further assessment. (Hughes et al., StatPearls)
Practical note
Gentle hair care avoids adding breakage while the hair recovers, but no topical product shortens telogen effluvium itself.
See also: Hair Cycle, Shedding, Stress, Cortisol.
Sources
Hughes EC, Syed HA, Saleh D. Telogen effluvium. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Questions
Yes, in most cases. Once the trigger resolves, shedding slows and hair regrows, although regaining full density can take six to twelve months.
Acute telogen effluvium usually lasts up to about six months. Longer shedding is classed as chronic and should be investigated.
It causes diffuse thinning but does not usually cause bald patches or permanent loss.