Hair loss happens to so many people for a wide variety of reasons. Understanding the type of hair loss you have is essential for finding the right treatment and prevention options. Let’s explore 15 types of hair loss, how they occur, and the specific symptoms to look out for.
15 Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. Also known as male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss, this is primarily caused by genetics.
In men, it typically results in a receding hairline and bald spots, while in women, it causes diffuse hair thinning. Treatment options, such as medications and hair transplant procedures, are available to help slow down or reverse the process.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when hair follicles experience constant tension or pulling. This is often seen in those who wear overly tight hairstyles, including ponytails, braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, etc.
Over time, this chronic pulling weakens the hair follicles and can eventually lead to permanent hair loss. Preventing traction alopecia involves loosening hairstyles and avoiding excessive styling practices.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a type of hair loss primarily affecting postmenopausal women. It leads to hairline recession at the front and sides of the scalp, often accompanied by eyebrow loss.
The cause is unknown, but it may be related to hormonal or autoimmune factors. Early treatment can help slow down hair thinning and preserve the remaining hair.
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris is a type of hair loss associated with lichen planus, a skin condition. This inflammatory disease affects the scalp, causing redness, irritation, and patchy hair loss.
The inflammation damages hair follicles, often resulting in permanent hair loss. Medical treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation to prevent further hair loss.
Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)
Scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, involves permanent hair loss due to inflammatory conditions that damage hair follicles. The scarring replaces the hair follicles, making it impossible for hair to regrow. Treatment focuses on managing inflammation to prevent further hair loss.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring hair loss first noted in African Americans in the 1950s. This hair loss typically starts at the crown of the scalp and progresses outward. The exact cause of CCCA is unknown, but there may be both genetic and environmental factors (DermNet).
Non-Scarring Hair Loss (Noncicatricial Alopecia)
Non-Scarring Hair Loss (Noncicatricial Alopecia) is a type of hair loss that occurs without any permanent scarring or damage to the hair follicles. This type includes hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Hair can regrow after addressing the underlying cause.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a scalp disorder where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase at once. This results in sudden, noticeable hair shedding.
Causes for this type of hair loss include stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Thinning often occurs across the scalp. Fortunately, hair growth usually resumes once the underlying cause is resolved.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. This type of hair loss can appear suddenly. It often results in small, round patches of hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. While it may resolve on its own, treatment options are available to help regrow hair and manage symptoms.
Alopecia totalis affects a small number of people with alopecia areata, and results in complete scalp hair loss.
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia universalis is an advanced form of alopecia areata. This causes the loss of all hair on the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. This autoimmune disease is rare and can be challenging to treat, though some medications may help stimulate hair growth.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a contagious fungal infection that can lead to patchy hair loss. It commonly affects children but can occur in adults as well. Treatment involves antifungal medications to eliminate the infection and allow hair to regrow.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium is a rapid form of hair loss caused by treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These treatments damage hair follicles in the growth phase (anagen), resulting in widespread hair shedding. Hair typically regrows after completion of treatment, though it may grow back with a different texture.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing scarring and hair loss. When DLE occurs on the scalp, it damages hair follicles and can result in permanent hair loss if untreated. Early medical intervention can help manage symptoms and protect hair follicles.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a mental health condition where individuals feel a compulsion to pull out their own hair. This leads to patchy hair loss, and can eventually cause scarring and permanent loss. Interventions often include cognitive behavioral therapy.
Folliculitis Decalvans
Folliculitis decalvans is an inflammatory condition where hair follicles become infected, resulting in red, swollen bumps and hair loss. Over time, it can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss in affected areas. Treatment involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to control symptoms and reduce further hair loss.
Hair Loss Solutions:
If you have concerns about your hair loss, get in touch with hair restoration specialist Dr. Bruce Marko at RESTORE hair clinic. They offer their pioneering No-Shave FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant technique, as well as non-surgical options.
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