Medically reviewed by Dr Bhavin Garara, GMC 7155707 · Last reviewed: 18 May 2026
Sudden or severe hair shedding can be a sign of an underlying medical condition — thyroid disease, iron-deficiency anaemia, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune conditions, and others. Sudden hair loss in patches (alopecia areata) is a different condition that needs dermatological assessment. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Dr Garara will assess you in person, may recommend blood tests, and will route you to GP / dermatology / trichology where appropriate before aesthetic treatment.
Hair follicles cycle through growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and rest (telogen) before the resting hair sheds and a new one grows. Around 10% of follicles are usually in the telogen phase at any time. In telogen effluvium, a triggering event pushes a much larger proportion of follicles into the telogen phase simultaneously. Two to three months later, those resting hairs shed — producing the characteristic sudden, diffuse shedding that is often described as “clumps in the shower.”
Dr Bhavin Garara’s approach is patient-honest: most telogen effluvium recovers spontaneously over 6–12 months once the trigger has resolved. Treatment supports recovery rather than replacing the body’s natural cycle.
Significant illness (including post-viral, such as following COVID), surgery, or hospitalisation can trigger shedding 2–3 months later.
Postpartum hair shedding is extremely common, typically beginning around 3 months after birth and lasting several months. It is usually self-limiting.
Major life events, bereavement, and severe acute stress can produce diffuse shedding.
Iron-deficiency anaemia, low ferritin, vitamin D deficiency, and significant protein deficit can all drive shedding. Blood tests are often part of the assessment.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse hair loss.
Some medications (including some antidepressants, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, and others) can trigger shedding.
Rapid weight loss, very-low-calorie diets, or sudden restrictive eating can trigger shedding 2–3 months later.
Stopping the contraceptive pill, perimenopause, and other hormonal shifts can trigger shedding.
At the clinics in London, Dr Garara assesses the timing and pattern of shedding, possible triggers, family and medical history, and any indications for blood-test investigations. The plan combines triaging anything that warrants medical investigation (via GP referral where appropriate), nutritional and lifestyle support, and supportive scalp treatments to encourage recovery. The aim is to support the body’s natural cycle rather than promise an instant reversal.
Features
Address the underlying trigger, multi-ingredient mesotherapy, PRP and platelet-derived exosomes, polynucleotides, radiofrequency microneedling, and topical scalp products.
Treatment is supportive — address the underlying trigger first, then layer in scalp mesotherapy, regenerative therapies, and topical support to encourage recovery.
Telogen effluvium responds best when the underlying trigger is identified and addressed. This may mean:
NCTF and klardie are multi-ingredient products combining hyaluronic acid with amino acids, peptides, vitamins, and DNA-derived components. Used as scalp mesotherapy, they deliver supportive nutrients directly to the scalp environment.
PRP (autologous, derived from your own blood) and platelet-derived exosomes (autologous, derived from your own platelets, distinct from PRP) support the scalp environment for follicle function. The evidence base is developing for use in telogen effluvium specifically; the treatments are well-established in androgenetic alopecia.
Polynucleotides injected into the scalp are understood to act as a “repair signal” supporting fibroblasts in the scalp tissue.
Sylfirm X delivered carefully on the scalp supports microcirculation and can be used to enhance the delivery of topical scalp treatments.
Topical minoxidil (over-the-counter) has the strongest evidence base for supporting scalp health and is sometimes used in telogen effluvium under appropriate guidance. Prescription scalp treatments are best discussed via GP, dermatologist, or specialist hair clinic.
Telogen effluvium responds best when the underlying trigger is identified and addressed. This may mean:
Book a consultation with Dr Bhavin Garara.
Book a Consultation| Treatment | Best suited for | Typical downtime | How long results last | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-ingredient mesotherapy (NCTF, klardie) | Nutritional and environmental support | 1 day of mild scalp tenderness | Around 6–12 months with a course | Supports the scalp environment |
| PRP / platelet-derived exosomes | Supporting scalp recovery alongside other treatments | 1–2 days of mild scalp redness | Variable; benefits build over a course | Supports the scalp microenvironment |
| Polynucleotides (Rejuran®) | Inflamed or sensitive scalps | 1 day of mild bumps | Around 6–12 months with a course | Supports fibroblast activity |
| Radiofrequency microneedling | Supporting other treatments | 1–2 days of mild redness | Long-lasting with maintenance | Microcirculation and topical delivery |
| GP / dermatology referral | Investigation of underlying triggers; medical treatment | N/A | Ongoing medical care | Diagnoses and treats medical contributors |
| Topical scalp products | Daily support | None | Ongoing with consistent use | Supports scalp health |
Downtime and duration figures are typical averages only. Individual results vary considerably. Dr Garara will give you a more personalised picture at consultation.
Scalp aesthetic treatments are widely performed and generally well tolerated. Risks include short-lived scalp tenderness, mild redness, and small bumps at injection sites.
We share this because patients deserve full information. Dr Garara is happy to discuss specific risks at consultation. The page makes no claim that any treatment cures telogen effluvium; we are honest about realistic outcomes and the importance of addressing underlying causes.
Common questions about treating hair shedding.
Hair shedding connects to hair thinning. You may also want to read about:
For an overview of all the facial concerns we treat, visit our Hair treatments hub.
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This page is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. All treatments require a personal consultation. Suitability, risks, and expected outcomes will be discussed with you in detail before any treatment is carried out.
