Temporary hair loss in women – telogen effluvium

Find out why it happens and what you can do about it

Suddenly losing a lot of hair can be quite frightening. Many women notice this while showering, brushing their hair, or when clumps of hair suddenly remain in their hands.

In most cases you suffer from telogen effluvium : a common, usually temporary form of hair loss

  • In summary

    • Telogen effluvium is a common and usually temporary cause of hair loss
    • The hair follicles remain intact
    • Recovery takes time, but is complete in most cases
    • Good explanation prevents unnecessary anxiety and incorrect treatments
    • Understanding what's happening brings peace. And peace helps recovery.

What is it and how does it develop?

  • What is telogen effluvium?

    Telogen effluvium is a condition in which too many hairs enter the resting phase (telogen phase) of the hair cycle at the same time. Normally, about 10–15% of hairs are in this phase. With telogen effluvium, this percentage can temporarily increase significantly.

  • What causes it?

    Telogen effluvium usually develops 2 to 3 months after a physical or emotional stress. Common causes include:

    • severe or prolonged stress
    • illness or fever
    • operations or hospital admissions
    • childbirth (postpartum hair loss)
    • sudden weight loss or crash diets
    • hormonal changes
    • starting or stopping certain medications

    Because there is a time lag between the trigger and the hair loss, the connection is often not immediately recognized.

What is it and what do you notice?

  • The result

    • more hair falls out than normal
    • the hair looks thinner
    • mainly diffuse hair loss over the entire scalp

    Important to know:

    • the hair follicles remain intact
    • that means that it
      hair can in principle grow back completely

  • What does hair loss look like?

    Characteristic of telogen effluvium is:

    • sudden increased hair loss
    • hair comes loose easily when combing or washing
    • no bald spots
    • no receding hairline
    • even dilution over the head
    • The scalp usually looks normal and does not feel sore or irritated.

How long does it take and is there a treatment?

  • How long does telogen effluvium last?

    In most cases, telogen effluvium is self-limiting.

    • the hair loss often continues for several months
    • after that the failure rate gradually decreases
    • new hair growth becomes visible within 3–6 months
    • full recovery may take 6 to 12 months

    This recovery requires patience. Hair grows slowly, and it may take some time for volume and density to return to normal.

  • Is treatment necessary?

    Explanation and reassurance are often sufficient. However, guidance can be helpful when:

    • the hair loss lasts longer than 6 months
    • there is doubt about the diagnosis
    • telogen effluvium is associated with hereditary hair loss
    • the psychological impact is great

    In some cases, temporary support may be available

    minoxidil * should be considered for:

    • to accelerate regrowth
    • to make the hair temporarily fuller
    • to reduce uncertainty during recovery

What can I do?

  • Important distinction: temporary or permanent?

    Telogen effluvium is sometimes confused with hereditary hair loss. The difference is important:

    • Telogen effluvium: temporary, hair follicles remain intact
    • Hereditary hair loss : progressive, hair follicles become smaller

    Sometimes both forms coexist. In those cases, a dermatological assessment is important to determine the appropriate strategy.

  • What can you do yourself?

    • continue to care for your hair normally
    • avoid excessive heat and pulling
    • eat a varied diet and avoid crash diets
    • be careful with supplements without proven deficiency
Start direct je behandeling Vind een specialist

This information was written by dermatologist M. van Coevorden for the Hair Guide for Women from 247dermatologist and used with permission.


Note: Minoxidil has not been studied for the treatment of telogen effluvium .
However, dermatologists use the drug to treat this condition. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist first to determine what is best for your situation.