Which observation indicates that a hair is in the telogen phase?

The telogen phase is the resting stage of the hair growth cycle, during which the hair is no longer receiving nourishment and is preparing to shed. During this phase, the hair becomes more loosely anchored in the follicle, making it easier to pull out. This characteristic is a critical identifier of the telogen phase, as hairs that are in this state are ready to fall out and be replaced by new hairs from the anagen phase.

In contrast, during the anagen phase, the hair is actively growing, which is why this phase is associated with thicker and deeply rooted hairs. An enlarged hair bulb is associated more with the anagen phase, where the hair is actively growing and receiving more nutrients. Therefore, a hair that can be easily pulled out is a key observation that suggests it is in the telogen phase, as opposed to the actively growing or strongly anchored hairs found in the other phases.