NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a hair analysis on a client who experiences significant hair shedding daily, much more than the average 50-100 hairs. The client denies any recent traumatic events, major illnesses, or significant dietary changes. The shedding appears diffuse across the scalp, and the hair strands themselves are not breaking. What condition is MOST likely indicated?
- AAndrogenic alopecia
- BTrichorrhexis nodosa
- CTelogen effluvium
- DAlopecia areata
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is characterized by widespread, diffuse hair shedding, often occurring several months after a stressor, but can also be chronic without an obvious trigger. The hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness) typically shows specific patterns of hair loss, not diffuse shedding as described.
- B. Trichorrhexis nodosa is a condition of hair shaft breakage, not increased shedding from the follicle.
- D. Alopecia areata presents as sudden, patchy hair loss, which does not fit the diffuse shedding scenario.
Telogen Effluvium
A common form of temporary hair loss characterized by diffuse thinning of hair on the scalp due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the telogen (resting) phase prematurely.
- Diffuse, widespread shedding across the scalp.
- Often triggered by stress, illness, medication, or hormonal changes.
- Hair strands themselves are usually healthy, not broken.
- Typically temporary, with hair regrowth expected.
Memory trick: TELO-gen: TELO-tally shedding, but it's temporary.