Did you know that hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the human body, only surpassed by bone marrow? Our hair is constantly undergoing a complex process of growth, rest, and renewal. The Telogen Phase plays a significant role in hair shedding, which is part of the hair growth cycle.
By delving into the Telogen, or “resting phase”, we can gain clearer insights into what is normal shedding and how to address common concerns like hair loss.
The Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle consists of 4 distinct phases:
- Anagen (growth) phase
- Catagen (transition) phase
- Telogen (resting) phase
- Exogen (shedding) phase.
Each strand of hair on your head is independently going through its own cycle. This prevents all your hair from falling out at once, ensuring a relatively consistent density of hair.
Delving Deeper: What is the Telogen Phase?
Following the active growth (Anagen) and brief transition (Catagen) stages, the hair growth cycle enters the Telogen Phase. This is often referred to as the resting phase. The follicle is preparing for the next cycle, specifically for the formation of a new hair strand.
During this time, the hair follicle is inactive, and the hair strand is no longer growing. It remains attached to the follicle, but it’s essentially “at rest”.
Approximately 10-15% of the hairs on your scalp are typically in the Telogen Phase at any given time. This percentage can fluctuate slightly due to various factors.
Key Characteristics of the Telogen Phase
During the Telogen Phase, the hair shaft has detached from the dermal papilla, which is the source of its blood supply and nutrients. The base of the hair hardens and forms a club-shaped structure, often referred to as a “club hair“. This club hair sits in the follicle, waiting to be shed.
Unlike the Anagen phase, there is no metabolic activity or cell division occurring in the hair follicle during Telogen. The follicle significantly shrinks in size. This period of rest is crucial for the follicle to conserve energy and prepare for the new growth cycle.
How Long Does the Telogen Phase Typically Last?
The duration of the Telogen Phase can vary from person to person and also depends on the location of the hair on the body. On the scalp, the Telogen Phase typically lasts for about 2 to 4 months. For hair in other areas, like eyebrows or eyelashes, this phase is much shorter.
Once the Telogen Phase is complete, the follicle will re-enter the Anagen phase, and a new hair will begin to grow. This new hair will eventually push out the old club hair, leading to natural shedding.
The Science Behind Hair Shedding in Telogen Effluvium
While shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, sometimes the body can trigger a premature or excessive number of hairs to enter the Telogen Phase. This condition is known as Telogen Effluvium. Telogen Effluvium is a common form of temporary hair loss. It occurs when a stressor causes a large percentage of hairs to switch into the resting phase.
Normally, only about 10-15% of scalp hairs are in Telogen. In Telogen Effluvium, this number can jump significantly, leading to noticeable thinning. The hair shedding typically occurs a few months after the trigger, and can potentially leave a drastic difference.
Factors That Can Influence Telogen Effluvium
Various internal and external factors can act as triggers for Telogen Effluvium, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle. Identifying and addressing the causes is key to recovery.
Here are some common factors that can influence Telogen Effluvium:
- Significant Physiological Stress: This includes events like surgery, childbirth, major illness, or rapid weight loss. The body’s resources are diverted, impacting hair follicles.
- Psychological Stress: Severe emotional stress, grief, or trauma can also trigger this condition. The connection between mind and body significantly affects hair health.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins (like Biotin, Vitamin D) or minerals (like Iron, Zinc) can disrupt hair production and lead to increased shedding.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as those occurring during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, or thyroid problems, are common triggers.
- Certain Medications: Some prescription drugs can have hair shedding as a side effect. It’s important to discuss any medications with a doctor.
- Fever or Infection: A sudden, high fever or a significant infection can shock the system and precipitate Telogen Effluvium.
Differentiating Normal Shedding from Excessive Hair Loss
It’s easy to become concerned about hair shedding, but it’s important to recognize that losing a certain amount of hair daily is completely normal. On average, most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day.
Excessive hair loss, often indicative of Telogen Effluvium or other conditions, involves shedding significantly more than this normal range.
Caring for Your Hair During the Resting Phase
Proper care during this period, and especially when recovering from something like Telogen Effluvium, can promote healthier future hair. Think of this period as a time for your follicles to reset and gather strength for the next growth cycle.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair in the Telogen Phase
Simple adjustments to your routine and lifestyle can make a significant difference. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy hair and supporting the natural hair growth cycle:
- Be Gentle When Washing and Styling: Avoid aggressive scrubbing or brushing, especially when hair is wet and more vulnerable. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle carefully.
- Use Mild Hair Products: Opt for shampoos and conditioners free from harsh sulfates and chemicals that can strip natural oils and irritate the scalp.
- Prioritize a Balanced Diet: Ensure you are consuming nutrient-rich foods that support hair growth, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Adequate intake of iron, zinc, and vitamins is crucial.
- Manage Stress Levels: Since stress is a major trigger for Telogen Effluvium, practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Styles that pull tightly on the hair follicles, like severe ponytails or braids, can cause tension and potentially worsen shedding.
- Protect Your Hair: Shield your hair from harsh environmental factors like excessive sun exposure, chlorine, and saltwater, which can weaken strands.
The Transition From Telogen Back to Anagen
The Telogen Phase is not an end point, but rather a critical resting period that precedes the start of a brand-new cycle. Once the follicle has completed its resting phase, it receives signals to reactivate and prepare for growth once more.
This renewal process ensures a continuous turnover of hair, allowing for old or damaged strands to be replaced by healthy, new ones.
Understanding the Renewal Process
As the Telogen Phase concludes, the dormant hair follicle begins to reawaken. Stem cells in the follicle are activated, signaling the start of the new Anagen Phase. A new hair bulb forms, and cells begin to divide rapidly to construct a new hair shaft.
Considering the sheer volume, did you know the average human head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles, all potentially going through this cycle?
Common Questions About the Telogen Phase
Is it normal to lose hair every day?
Yes, absolutely. Losing between 50 and 100 hairs daily is considered a normal part of the hair growth cycle. These are typically hairs that have completed their Telogen Phase and are being replaced by new growth.
How can I tell if my hair shedding is excessive?
Shedding is considered excessive if you are losing significantly more than the average 50-100 hairs per day. This might be noticeable as large amounts of hair accumulating in your brush, shower drain, or on clothing.
Can stress cause my hair to enter the Telogen Phase prematurely?
Yes, significant physical or emotional stress is a known trigger for Telogen Effluvium, a condition where a larger percentage of hairs than normal are pushed into the Telogen Phase.
Does cutting my hair affect the Telogen Phase or shedding?
No, cutting your hair only affects the length of the hair shaft, not the follicle’s cycle beneath the scalp.
How long does it take for hair to regrow after shedding from the Telogen Phase?
After a hair sheds from the Telogen Phase, the follicle typically rests for a short period (part of the Telogen Phase) before a new Anagen phase begins. New visible growth might take a few weeks to a few months to appear.
