Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo

Switch to a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and avoid aggressive scrubbing. Wash hair 2-3 times per week rather than daily. Handle wet hair carefully — pat dry with a microfiber towel instead of rubbing.

Why It Works

Sulfates strip natural oils and can irritate an already stressed scalp. During telogen effluvium, hairs in the resting phase are loosely anchored — harsh handling accelerates their shedding. Gentle care reduces mechanical hair loss and supports scalp health during recovery.

Tips

• Seeing hair in the drain is alarming but normal during telogen effluvium
• Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair instead of a brush
• Avoid volumizing shampoos that contain harsh sulfates