Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The condition involving excessive hair shedding is characterized by a noticeable and often sudden increase in hair loss. This occurs when a significant number of hair follicles in the growth phase (anagen) prematurely enter the shedding phase (telogen). This condition is known as telogen effluvium. Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, illness, and nutritional deficiencies can trigger this response, leading to excessive shedding of hair, commonly seen in clumps during washing or brushing.

Androgenetic alopecia involves a pattern of thinning and hair loss, typically related to genetics and hormones but does not primarily manifest as excessive shedding. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that leads to patchy hair loss rather than general shedding. Trichorrhexis nodosa refers to a hair shaft defect that causes brittleness and hair breakage, not shedding. Therefore, the definition and symptoms associated with telogen effluvium align closely with excessive hair shedding, making it the correct choice.