NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamHair Care and ServicesMedium
A cosmetologist is performing a hair analysis for a client concerned about excessive hair loss. The client reports that the hair loss started suddenly about 3 months ago, after a period of significant personal stress. The hair appears to be shedding from the roots, and the strands themselves are not brittle or broken. What is the MOST probable diagnosis for this type of hair loss?
- AAndrogenic alopecia
- BTrichorrhexis nodosa
- CAlopecia areata
- DTelogen effluvium
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a common form of temporary hair loss often triggered by significant physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal changes. The shedding typically occurs 2-3 months after the trigger and is characterized by diffuse shedding of healthy-looking hair from the roots.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) is typically gradual and patterned, not sudden and diffuse.
- B. Trichorrhexis nodosa is a condition of hair shaft breakage, not shedding from the root.
- C. Alopecia areata causes sudden, patchy hair loss, not diffuse shedding.
Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Induced)
Temporary hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of resting (telogen) hairs, often triggered by a significant physiological or psychological stressor 2-3 months prior.
- Diffuse shedding across the scalp.
- Onset typically 2-3 months post-stressor.
- Hair strands are usually intact, not broken.
- Often self-resolving as the body recovers from the stress.
Memory trick: Stress leads to TELO-gen effluvium, from the roots, not the tip!