🌿 Telogen effluvium: when the hair goes into pause

Telogen effluviumis a disruption in your hair's natural cycle. Each hair goes through three phases:

1. Anagen (growth)
2. Catagen (transition)
3. Telogen (resting and shedding)

Normally, only 10% of hairs are in the telogen phase. But when something disrupts this balance, more follicles enter the resting phase at once, causing sudden, heavy shedding, usually 2 to 3 months after the trigger.

Telogen effluvium can have multiple origins, including:

• Physical or emotional stress
• Restrictive diets or nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, biotin, proteins)
• Hormonal changes (postpartum, menopause, contraceptives)
• Feverish illnesses or infections (such as COVID-19)
• Medications (retinoids, anticoagulants, antithyroid drugs, among others)

In most cases, the cause is temporary and reversible once the triggering factor is corrected.

• Diffuse hair loss, without localized sparse areas.
• Hair appears thinner or less voluminous.
• It persists for several weeks or months.
• It may be accompanied by hair fragility and a more visible scalp.

Our specialized pharmacists can guide you and help you differentiate it from other forms of alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia.

Although telogen effluvium usually resolves spontaneously, there are measures that can accelerate hair recovery:

• Nutritional supplements: with biotin, iron, zinc, cystine, vitamins B and D, as needed.
• Hair lotions or ampoules: stimulate the follicle and promote growth.
• Mild shampoos: specific for hair loss or revitalizing, which improve the appearance of the hair.
• Stress control and a balanced diet.
• Avoid aggressive treatments (dyes, straighteners, straightening) during the hair loss.

At the pharmacy we can advise you on which products are most suitable for your hair type, lifestyle and possible cause of the effluvium.

Telogen effluvium can be alarming, but it has a solution. With a good diagnosis, proper care, and patience, hair usually regains its density in a few months.

💬 If you notice excessive hair loss, consult us: we will help you identify the cause and choose the best treatment for your case.