If you're suddenly seeing more hair in the shower drain or on your pillow, and it started a couple of months after a stressful or unwell period, it may be telogen effluvium — a temporary, usually reversible type of shedding. It's your follicles reacting to a past shock, not permanent hair loss.

What is telogen effluvium?

Your hair grows in cycles. At any moment most strands are actively growing, while a smaller share are resting and due to fall out. Picture a stress, illness or big hormonal change as a switch that pushes an unusually large batch of hairs into the resting phase all at once. A few months later, that batch sheds together — which is why the shedding can feel alarming and sudden even though the trigger has passed.

Why does it start months after the trigger?

This delay is the confusing part. Research suggests shedding typically peaks around two to three months after the trigger, and the cause usually occurred roughly one to six months earlier. Common triggers include a high fever or infection, childbirth, crash dieting or under-eating, a major stressful event, thyroid changes and some medications. Because of the lag, many people don't connect the dots — the stressful season is over, so the timing feels random.

Will the hair grow back?

In most cases, yes. Telogen effluvium doesn't damage follicles permanently, and hair generally regrows once the trigger resolves and your nutrition recovers. Studies suggest many people see shedding settle within a few months of the stressor easing, with fuller recovery over six to twelve months. The most important step is addressing the root cause — rest, adequate protein and calories, and correcting any deficiencies such as iron, which is worth checking with your doctor.

Can supplements help during recovery?

Supplements can't override an ongoing trigger, but supporting your body through the regrowth phase makes sense. A product like Pomegranate Hair Vitality is designed to support the scalp and hair as part of a broader routine that prioritises eating enough, managing stress and getting good sleep. Think of it as backup for the basics, not a stand-alone fix.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor if shedding continues beyond about six months, if you notice distinct bald patches rather than all-over thinning, if there's scalp redness or scarring, or if you have other symptoms like fatigue or changes in your periods. These can point to issues — such as thyroid problems, iron deficiency or a different type of hair loss — that benefit from proper assessment rather than guesswork.

Frequently asked questions

How much shedding is normal? Losing some hair daily is completely normal. Telogen effluvium feels different — noticeably more than usual, often in handfuls, and typically all over the scalp rather than in patches.

Should I stop washing my hair to reduce shedding? No. The hairs you see when washing were already going to fall; washing less just means they come out together later. Gentle regular washing is fine.

Can diet really affect hair shedding? Yes. Under-eating, crash diets and low iron are recognised triggers. Eating enough protein and calories and correcting deficiencies supports recovery.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. For personalised guidance, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.