Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that is characterized by excessive shedding or resting of telogen hair after some shock to the system. Telogen hair is also known as club hair due to the shape of the root. In a normal healthy person’s scalp, about 85% of the hair follicles are actively growing hair (anagen hair), and about 15% are resting hair (telogen hair). A few hairs may also be in catagen. A hair follicle usually grows anagen hair for four years or so, then rests for about four months. A new anagen hair begins to grow under the resting telogen hair and pushes it out. Telogen effluvium is a reactive process triggered by metabolic stress, hormonal changes, or medications. It is a form of nonscarring alopecia characterized by diffuse, often acute hair shedding.