telogen

noun

te·​lo·​gen ˈtē-lə-ˌjen 

: the resting phase of the hair growth cycle that typically lasts three months, is preceded by anagen and catagen, and is usually followed by shedding of the hair shaft during exogen

Note: Anagen will immediately follow telogen if hair is not shed at the end of telogen during the exogen phase.

Examples of telogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By revitalizing dormant follicles and promoting the transition from the telogen phase back to anagen, the Minoxidil hair regrowth treatment reduces the overall quantity of hair lost. —Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

By revitalizing dormant follicles and promoting the transition from the telogen phase back to anagen, minoxidil reduces the overall quantity of hair lost. —Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, typically begins two to three months after delivery and can last for three to six months. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

This temporary form of hair shedding is called telogen effluvium and can happen any time the body undergoes significant physiological or psychological strain. —Julia Sullivan, Allure, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

telo- + -gen

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

telogen

noun

te·​lo·​gen ˈtē-lə-ˌjen 

: the resting phase of the hair growth cycle that typically lasts three months, is preceded by anagen and catagen, and is usually followed by shedding of the hair shaft during exogen

Note: Anagen will immediately follow telogen if hair is not shed at the end of telogen during the exogen phase.

Scalp hairs spend four to eight years in anagen and just two to four months in telogen.

—Julianne Dunphy

The remaining 10 percent of hairs are in a resting phase called telogen that lasts about three months, after which the resting hairs start falling out.

—Jane E. Brody