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

The average hair growth cycle occurs in three phases: the growing phase (anagen) which can last up to six years until the regressing phase occurs (catagen), before the hair sheds in the (telogen) resting phase. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024

This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, occurs when someone undergoes stress on the body or mind. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024

Alopecia areata's inflammatory immune response triggers a premature telogen or late catagen stage within the hair follicles. —Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024

The most common type of hair loss is telogen effluvium, which can cause daily hair loss to double or even triple. —Georgia Day, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023

For people without other complicating factors like a family history of baldness or a weakened immune system, telogen effluvium isn't usually anything to be concerned about. —Christin Perry, Parents, 10 Sep. 2023

Stress has been linked to various health issues, including telogen effluvium—a condition where more hairs enter the resting phase of the growth cycle prematurely. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

It is often recommended for male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) and telogen effluvium. —Stephanie Dolgoff and Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 3 Aug. 2023

This phenomenon is called telogen effluvium, and it’s estimated that around 40-50% of women experience this shedding to some degree, according to Dr. Steven Line, MD. —Sarah Anzlovar Ms, Health, 13 July 2023

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