Which condition is characterized by the detachment of hair from the hair follicle?

Anagen effluvium is characterized by the detachment of hair from the hair follicle, primarily during the anagen, or growth phase of the hair cycle. This condition often results from the destruction of the hair follicles due to factors such as chemotherapy, radiation, or severe stress. When the hair follicles are damaged, hair can fall out more rapidly, often leading to significant hair loss.

In contrast, telogen effluvium refers to hair shedding that occurs not due to direct follicle damage but rather due to premature transitioning of hair from the growth phase to the resting phase. Catagen effluvium involves changes during the transitional phase of the hair cycle but does not specifically denote hair detachment. Pseudofolliculitis, commonly known as 'razor bumps,' is an inflammatory condition related to ingrown hairs and does not imply hair detachment from the follicle.

Therefore, an understanding of how hair cycles operate and how different factors influence hair loss can clarify why anagen effluvium is specifically associated with the detachment of hair from the hair follicle.