What is Telogen Effluvium? What are the Symptoms?

Posted by Deborah Ferguson on

Hair loss is entirely normal. Most people lose around 50-100 strands everyday, and these lost strands are replaced by new growth. But if you notice more than the usual amount of loss, it can be telogen effluvium. 

What is Telogen Effluvium?

 

Telogen effluvium is a prevalent condition that occurs after periods of excessive stress, trauma, or can be caused by an underlying medical condition. The condition pushes hair to the resting or telogen stages, and eventually, the strands fall off. There are two types of telogen effluvium:

 

 

  • Acute - The acute form of this condition happens at around two months after a traumatic event. People can lose up to 70% of their hair during this time. The common causes of acute telogen effluvium are childbirth, extreme weight loss, high fever, and personal loss. 

 

  • Chronic - Chronic telogen effluvium isn't as common as the acute version. People experience it if they have chronic illnesses or untreated vitamin deficiencies. The condition only goes away after the underlying issues are addressed.

 

If you experience sudden hair loss and don't know why it has occurred, you may want to look into this condition.

 

What are the Symptoms?

 

The most common symptom is hair fall and thinning patches on the scalp. You can also experience more loss in some areas compared to others. Widening of the hair part is one of the most common symptoms of telogen effluvium. 

 

The thinning is most apparent at the top of your scalp. Sometimes it can also manifest on other parts of your body like eyelashes and eyebrows. 

 

Treatment for the Condition

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The acute version usually doesn't require much treatment. Once you have recovered from the stressful event, the body will go back to a healthy state. The hair fall will decrease gradually, and your hair will regain thickness in around 12-18 months.

 

The chronic version requires medical attention. If you notice sustained hair loss, visit your doctor immediately. They will examine your scalp, perform a blood test, and a physical examination. The goal is to identify the underlying cause. For example, if the doctor notices a vitamin deficiency, they'll prescribe a multivitamin regimen. The hair fall will slow down as soon as your body's nutrition levels are stable. 

 

How to Avoid Telogen Effluvium?

 

The best way to prevent the condition is to avoid excessive stress. Here's what you need to do:

 

  • Maintain a healthy sleep cycle with at least 6-7 hours of sleep every day.
  • Indulge in relaxing activities to cope with everyday stress. Activities like yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music can help.
  • Maintain a balanced diet that provides sufficient nutrition. Avoid empty, filler foods and include items like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, etc., into your diet.
  • Exercise regularly. It increases the blood flow to your scalp and can also help with stress. 
  • Proper hair care is also essential. Apply hair masks and nourishing oils to improve overall hair texture. 
  • Keep an eye on your nutrition levels because fluctuations can cause problems. 

 

If you follow these steps, it is possible to avoid telogen effluvium. Unfortunately, not all issues are easy to avoid. Things like intense grief or stress during a challenging project can still cause the condition.

The best thing to do is to manage the stress as much as you can. Just set some time aside for relaxation. 

 

How to Disguise Thinning Hair

 

Your hair will recover eventually, but you can use different solutions to disguise the thinning. In the meantime, here's what you can do:

 

  • Use products like a texturizing spray to add volume to your hair, especially at the top of your head.
  • If the thinning is too visible, use our natural hair fiber solution. This solution disguises thinning by adding extra fibers. 
  • Use styles that are suitable for thinning hair like adding a few curls or creating a messy bun.
  • Don't use harsh chemical shampoos and conditions on your hair. These can make the strands brittle and cause breakage. That will make your hair appear frizzy and damaged.
  • It is also a good idea to avoid bleaching or lighting your hair. 

 

If you’re worried about thinning hair on your head, we at Hair 2.0 recommend our natural keratin fiber solution. Want to know more? Contact our customer care for queries or browse through our website for information on different products.