Telogen effluvium (temporary diffuse hair loss)

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common forms of temporary hair loss. It means that an unusually large proportion of the follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) at the same time and shed a few months later. The result is a diffuse loss across the whole head — not a defined patch — and often noticeably more hair in the brush and shower. The typical sign is that the shedding comes 2–3 months after a triggering event. Common triggers are severe physical or psychological stress, fever and infection, surgery, childbirth, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiency or starting/stopping certain medications. The good news: telogen effluvium is almost always temporary. The follicles are not damaged but temporarily dormant. When the underlying cause is addressed — the stress settles, nutrition is restored, the body heals — the hair usually returns to normal growth within 6–12 months. Treatment is therefore mainly about identifying and addressing the cause, ensuring good nutrition and having patience. PRP treatment can be used as support to stimulate the follicles during recovery. A hair transplant, on the other hand, is not relevant, since the hair comes back on its own. At a consultation we help you distinguish telogen effluvium from hereditary hair loss.