Telogen effluvium (TE) is probably the second most prevalent form of hair loss. It is a crudely defined condition due to there being little research to understand TE. Essentially TE occurs when there is a shift in the number of hair follicles producing hair. In the event that the number of hair follicles producing hair decreases drastically for any purpose during the resting(telogen phase), there will be a notable increase in dormant (telogen stage) hair follicles. 

What Does Telogen Effluvium Look Like?

TE appears as a scattering of thin head hair, which may not be even all over. It can be more severe in specific areas of the scalp than others. The hair on top of the scalp tends to thin more than it does at the sides and back of the scalp. There is usually no hairline recession, save a few rare severe cases. The shed hairs tend to be telogen hairs, which can be identified by a tiny bulb of keratin on the root. 

How Can Telogen Effluvium Develop?

There are two essential forms TE can develop, and that can show up through various means and or events, which we will go over later. 

Shock. An environmental abuse that “shocks” the growing hair follicles so to the point that they go into a resting state. This results in a rise in hair shedding and thinning of hair on the scalp. This form of TE can develop rapidly and may be noticeable one or two months after receiving the shock. 

Persistent Stressors. The second form of TE occurs more gradually and continues longer. The hair follicles may not all abruptly shed their hair fibers and enter a resting telogen state. In this form of TE, there may not be much noticeable hair shedding, but there will be a gradual thinning of the scalp hair. Persistent stresses can produce this form of Telogen Effluvium.

These forms can show up through various methods such as:

• Hard stress. Extended periods of stress can end in telogen effluvium. Hair loss typically happens about three months after the stressful event.
• Bad diet. Hair requires vital nutrients, including protein, iron, B-vitamins, and zinc, to grow. A deficiency of these nutrients may affect the quality and volume of a person’s hair.
• Certain drugs. Certain medications and drugs can unexpectedly induce hair loss.
• Existing Health Conditions. These can involve autoimmune disease, conditions that affect the thyroid gland, and alopecia areata.
• Surgery. It depends on the type of procedure, length of stay in the hospital, medications, and overall nutritional status.
• Metal toxicity. Contact with toxic chemicals in a metal can lead to hair loss.
• Abrupt weight loss. Weight loss or prolonged calorie restriction, such as in anorexia nervosa, can make hair shed.
• Pregnancy and childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, more hair is in the growth phase for longer. Hormonal shifts that occur 3 to 6 months after birth can cause hair to shed. 
• Menopause. Menopause can cause hormonal changes that may also cause telogen effluvium.

Is Telogen Effluvium Treatable?

The science is still out when it comes to Telogen Effluvium. In short, there are ways to reverse, slow down, and repair your hair if you’re living with this condition. Mending any of the above “states” can support your body, and there are some products we supply that can speed up and have your hair better than ever.

Pep Factor is a serum designed from the first drop with the intention of magnifying Fibroblast. Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) directs a range of various biological functions, including cellular proliferation, durability migration. FGF is also responsible for the renewal of tissue, including skin and hair follicles. UMA’s research laboratory has designed this unique formula.