Understanding Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Why Your Hair Keeps Shedding and What You Can Do About It
Have you noticed more hair in your brush or shower drain lately, and it’s been going on for months or even years?
If so, you might be experiencing something called Chronic Telogen Effluvium, or CTE for short.
It sounds fancy, but in simple terms, it means your hair cycle has been stuck in shedding mode longer than it should be. And the good news? It’s common, it’s manageable, and it’s not the same thing as permanent hair loss.
What Is Telogen Effluvium, Anyway?
Every hair on your head lives in a repeating cycle: it grows (anagen), rests (telogen), and eventually sheds naturally.
Telogen Effluvium happens when a higher-than-normal number of hairs enter that resting and shedding phase at once.
That can show up as more visible shedding, a smaller ponytail, or the feeling that your hair just isn’t as thick as it used to be.
Acute vs. Chronic: What’s the Difference?
| Acute TE | Chronic TE (CTE) | |
|---|---|---|
| How long it lasts | Acute TE Less than 6 months | Chronic TE (CTE) More than 6 months, often fluctuating |
| Typical cause | Acute TE A clear trigger like illness, surgery, childbirth, or a stressful event | Chronic TE (CTE) May have no single trigger and can involve ongoing stress, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal changes |
| What it feels like | Acute TE Sudden handfuls of hair shedding | Chronic TE (CTE) Long-term thinning, often described as “my ponytail feels smaller” |
| Will it cause baldness? | Acute TE No | Chronic TE (CTE) No, but density may stay reduced without intervention |
How Common Is Chronic Telogen Effluvium?
Research published in Dermatologic Clinics and the International Journal of Trichology shows that:
Up to 35% of women will experience some form of Telogen Effluvium at least once in their life.
10–15% of those women will go on to develop the chronic form.
It’s most common between ages 30–60, especially for women managing stress, hormonal shifts, or nutrient depletion.
So if this sounds like you, you’re definitely not alone.
Why Does It Stick Around So Long?
While acute TE usually clears once the trigger passes, chronic TE likes to linger when the body or scalp keeps getting mixed signals.
Here are some of the most common reasons why:
Ongoing stress or inflammation is disrupting the hair cycle
Low ferritin or vitamin D levels are slowing regrowth
Thyroid or hormone imbalances, including perimenopause
Medications such as antidepressants or hormonal birth control
Crash dieting or protein deficiencies
Tight hairstyles, heavy extensions, or chemical stress that add local trauma
Often, it’s a combination of these factors rather than a single cause.
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Start with lab work.
Ask your doctor to check ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D, and hormone levels. Chronic shedding is your body’s way of whispering that something is off. Make sure you are fasting if your doctor suggests it, and pause all supplements for 24–48 hours before testing (7 days for biotin).
Some labs, like glucose or full iron panels, are more accurate when fasting, while others such as thyroid or vitamin D aren’t affected by food. Following your provider’s prep instructions ensures your results reflect your true baseline instead of being influenced by your breakfast or supplements.
This is important because supplements, especially biotin, can skew lab results by interfering with how certain tests are measured. Ferritin shows your stored iron, which is essential for hair growth, while thyroid, hormone balance, and vitamin D all directly influence your hair’s growth cycle. Accurate results help your doctor pinpoint what’s truly happening beneath the surface so you can address the real root cause.
2. Nourish your scalp and strands.
Choose gentle, pH-balanced shampoos and keep your scalp clean and stimulated.
At Haven Holistic Salon, I focus on low-tox formulas that protect the scalp microbiome while restoring shine and strength.
3. Feed your follicles.
Include high-quality protein with every meal.
Stay hydrated, since hair is about 25% water.
Replenish with supplements only if you’ve confirmed deficiencies.
Use a trichology-grade topical or serum for ongoing support.
4. Be patient and consistent.
Hair growth takes time. Expect about 3–6 months before you see significant changes.
The goal isn’t overnight regrowth; it’s steady recovery.
When to Get a Professional Opinion
If shedding lasts longer than six months, your part line looks wider, or your extensions start feeling thinner, it’s time to seek a professional trichology assessment or a dermatologist visit.
A proper evaluation helps rule out androgenic alopecia, thyroid imbalance, or nutritional issues so you can address the real root cause (pun intended).
What to do if you think this is you
Chronic shedding doesn’t mean you’re losing your hair forever.
It means your hair cycle needs a little extra love and balance, inside and out.
When we address both inner health and outer care, your hair can absolutely regain its fullness, shine, and vitality.
Your hair is a living reflection of your overall well-being.
Treat it kindly, feed it well, and give it time to heal.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re noticing prolonged shedding or thinning, schedule a Trichology Consultation at Haven Holistic Salon.
We’ll take a closer look at your scalp health, lifestyle factors, and product routine, and create a plan that helps your hair grow back stronger and healthier. Click here to learn more
