Noticing extra hair in the shower, on your pillow, or collecting in your hairbrush can feel scary. Sometimes, you may even see small thinning patches and panic that something is seriously wrong. But if this shedding started a few months after a stressful event, illness, childbirth, or major lifestyle change. There’s a high chance you’re dealing with Telogen Effluvium (TE), a temporary, stress-triggered hair shedding condition.
In this blog, you’ll learn how long does telogen effluvium last, why it happens, and what you can do to support healthy regrowth.
What Is Telogen Effluvium?
Your hair grows in cycles. At any given time:
- 85–90% of your hair is in the anagen (growth) phase, which lasts 2–5 years.
- 10–15% is in the telogen (resting) phase, which lasts 3–4 months.
Normally, shedding around 100 hairs a day is completely normal.
Telogen Effluvium occurs when a higher percentage of hairs (20–30%) shift into the telogen phase all at once.
This sudden shift means many strands stop growing and begin shedding together after a few months, causing noticeable thinning.
Why Does Telogen Effluvium Happen?
Telogen effluvium happens when the body experiences significant physical or psychological stress.
Your body prioritizes survival functions and temporarily reduces “non-essential” processes like hair growth.
Common triggers include:
- Major surgery
- Childbirth
- Severe illness (including COVID-19)
- Strong medications or sudden dose changes
- Acute emotional stress
- Caregiving burnout
- Work-related mental stress
- Crash dieting or severe calorie restriction
- Deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, or vitamin D
- Thyroid disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- High fever or infections
Interestingly, dermatology reports show that over 70% of people experienced telogen effluvium after COVID-19, and about 30% experienced scalp pain during the shedding phase.
So, How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?
Here’s the answer most people want in one line:
Telogen Effluvium usually lasts 3 to 6 months, and full recovery takes 6 to 12 months.
But understanding the timeline deeply will help you feel more in control.
1. Stress Event Happens (Day 0)
Birth, surgery, illness, dieting, emotional stress, etc.
2. Nothing Happens Right Away (Month 0–3)
The hair is in the telogen phase, but shedding hasn’t started yet.
3. Shedding Starts (Month 3–4)
This is why your hair may start falling 3–4 months after the stress.
Example: You delivered your baby in October, and your severe shedding starts in January.
4. Shedding Continues (Month 4–6)
Hair fall looks dramatic, but it is reversible.
Around this time, you may also notice small dents in your nails, because nail growth also slows during stress.
5. Regrowth Begins (Month 6–9)
As the follicles move back into the anagen phase:
- You’ll notice short spiky baby hairs coming out
- Your hairline may look fuzzy
- Thin areas start filling in
This is a positive sign that your hair is growing again.
6. Full Recovery (Month 9–12+)
Your hair volume returns to normal, but growing it back to its previous length can take much longer because hair grows slowly.
When to See a Doctor?
Most cases (95%) resolve on their own without treatment.
But you need medical evaluation if:
- Your shedding lasts longer than 6–9 months
- You see smooth bald patches
- Your eyebrows or beard are thinning
- There is severe itch, burning, or redness
- You suspect thyroid, autoimmune, or nutritional issues
Conditions like Alopecia Areata, Female/Male Pattern Baldness, Frontal Fibrosing.
How to Speed Up Telogen Effluvium Recovery
Telogen Effluvium (TE) can be emotionally overwhelming, especially when shedding feels sudden and uncontrollable. While the condition is temporary, certain habits can support the recovery process and help your hair return to its normal growth cycle sooner. Here’s how to approach TE with care and intention.
1. Reduce or Remove the Trigger
TE almost always begins with a stressor, physical or emotional. If that stress continues, the shedding can persist longer than expected.
Take time to identify what may have triggered your TE: illness, emotional pressure, burnout, major life changes, or intense work schedules.
Simple stress-management practices like meditation, yoga, gentle walks, regular sleep, or speaking with a counselor can make a meaningful difference. Setting healthy boundaries at work and slowing down when needed helps your body shift back into balance.
2. Focus on a Balanced, Protein-Rich Diet
Your hair reflects your overall nutritional health. Because hair is made of protein, your body needs consistent nourishment to support strong regrowth.
Aim for meals that are colourful and nutrient-dense, lean protein, iron-rich foods, zinc, vitamin D, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Avoid crash diets or rapid weight loss. They are one of the most common triggers for Telogen Effluvium and can prolong shedding.
3. Consider Supplements When Necessary
Supplements don’t stop TE, but they can provide nutritional support during the recovery phase. Products such as Viviscal or Nutrafol may be helpful for some people, especially if their diet is lacking.
However, these are optional and often expensive. Use them only if needed and avoid them during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re unsure, speak with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
4. Minoxidil for Faster Regrowth
Minoxidil (topical or oral) is one of the few scientifically supported options that can help move hair back into the growth phase more quickly.
If you choose to use it, consistency matters. Most people need at least 9–12 months of continuous use to see stable results.
Stop only after your shedding and density have fully stabilized. Remember, minoxidil is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
5. Gentle, Natural Support Options
While natural therapies don’t “cure” TE, they can support scalp health and improve hair quality during recovery. Rosemary oil, castor oil, LED light therapy, professional microneedling, and PRP treatments are commonly used.
Choose what aligns with your comfort level and budget. TE improves even without high-cost treatments, so don’t feel pressured into anything unnecessary.
Is Telogen Effluvium Permanent?
No. Telogen Effluvium is overwhelmingly temporary. Most people see shedding resolve within 3–6 months, followed by regrowth over the next several months.
Only a small percentage (around 5%) experience prolonged TE, usually due to untreated medical issues such as thyroid imbalances, iron deficiency, chronic stress, or autoimmune conditions. Once the underlying cause is addressed, the hair cycle typically returns to normal.
Conclusion
If you’re still worried about how long does telogen effluvium last, the answer is reassuring: shedding typically settles within 3–6 months, and your hair gradually begins to regain its fullness in the months that follow. Every person’s timeline is slightly different, but improvement almost always happens.
At Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic, we go beyond basic advice. Our experts look at your scalp, your lifestyle, your health, and your hair cycle to understand what’s really happening and what will help you recover faster.
- Gentle, medically backed treatments
- Deep hair & scalp analysis
- Targeted plans for shedding, thinning, and regrowth
- Supportive care that helps you feel seen, not just treated
Take the first step, book your consultation with Hairfree & Hairgrow Clinic and start your journey toward stronger, healthier hair.
Written By
MD (Skin & VD)
Dr. Santpal Sangwan is a trusted hair specialist known for his expertise in understanding how long does telogen effluvium last and guiding patients through recovery. He provides evidence-based treatments, clear timelines, and personalized care to help individuals restore healthy hair and regain confidence.
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See Detailed Disclaimers Here.
