Shedding Phase

The shedding phase, often called the telogen phase, is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle when hairs detach from follicles and are released to make way for new growth. Typically about 5–15% of scalp hairs are in this phase at any time and it lasts around 2–3 months; normal daily shedding is generally about 50–100 hairs.

An increase in shedding can be triggered by factors such as illness, surgery, major emotional stress, hormonal changes (including postpartum), certain medications, or nutritional deficiencies, a pattern commonly referred to as telogen effluvium and often temporary. If shedding is sudden, severe, or accompanied by noticeable thinning, a healthcare professional can evaluate underlying causes through history and scalp examination and recommend management such as addressing the trigger, correcting deficiencies, topical therapies like minoxidil, or monitoring for spontaneous recovery.