Telogen Phase: Your Hair's Resting Cycle

What is it?

The telogen phase is the final, or resting, stage of the natural hair growth cycle. Following the anagen (growth) and catagen (transition) phases, hair follicles become dormant during the telogen phase. The hair strand stops growing and remains in the follicle for about two to three months before it is shed, making way for a new anagen hair to form. At any given time, approximately 10-15% of all scalp hairs are naturally in the telogen phase, which is a crucial part of hair regeneration.

Why is it trending?

The term is gaining attention due to its connection with a condition called telogen effluvium. This is a form of temporary hair loss where a significantly larger than normal number of hairs are pushed prematurely into the telogen phase. This shift is typically triggered by a major physical or emotional stressor, such as a severe illness, surgery, childbirth, rapid weight loss, or intense psychological stress. Because the hair stays in the resting phase for a few months, the noticeable shedding doesn't occur until several months after the triggering event.

How does it affect people?

For most people, the telogen phase goes unnoticed. However, when telogen effluvium occurs, the primary effect is a sudden, noticeable increase in hair shedding. An individual might lose up to 300 hairs per day, compared to the typical 100. This results in a diffuse thinning of hair across the scalp, which is often most apparent on the top of the head. While this can cause significant emotional distress and anxiety, the condition is generally reversible. It does not cause complete baldness, and the hair typically begins to grow back within three to six months once the underlying stressor is resolved.

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