Types of Hair Loss

The medical name for hair loss is “alopecia,” and then another term is added to indicate the reason for the hair loss.

Androgenic alopecia, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss. It's more commonly known as “male pattern baldness,” “male pattern hair loss,” or “female pattern hair loss” by the general public. As the medical names indicate, the cause for this type of hair loss is genetic.

Androgenetic alopecia manifests differently in men than women. In men, the hair loss begins a bit above the temples, creating an M-shaped hairline as hair recedes. In some cases, it can continue to advance until the crown of the head is completely bald. For women, it causes overall hair thinning. In either case, a permanent solution is transplanting donor hair from the untouched parts of the scalp to the affected areas.

Telogen Effluvium is at the other end of the spectrum. This form of hair loss is temporary and typically stress induced. It occurs when a larger number of hair strands than usual enter the resting phase of the natural hair life cycle. Childbirth, surgery, and thyroid imbalances are other possible triggers for telogen effluvium. Fortunately, it is reversible and there are ways to help revive the normal growth phase.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease in which the person's immune system attacks their hair follicles. In some cases, prolonged periods of high stress can cause alopecia areata… but in others, the trigger is unknown. This form of hair loss usually occurs as small patches and can even affect body hair – including beards, eyebrows, & eye lashes.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata can vary… with medications such as corticosteroids or minoxidil generally tried first. Sometimes the hair loss will revert and grow back on its own. In other cases, the alopecia areata clears up but will leave bald patches that may be good candidates for hair restoration surgery.

Traction Alopecia occurs after someone wears their hair in styles that pull tightly against the hair follicles, gradually causing damage. Examples include tight buns, ponytails, braids, and such, but it can also happen if tight headwear (such as hats, helmets, etc.) pull on the hair and damage the follicles. Traction alopecia can be reversible if caught early. In other cases, hair restoration surgery may be needed to fill in the damaged areas.

Scarring Alopecia is also known as cicatricial alopecia. While a burn or serious infection can cause scarring alopecia, a more common cause is inflammation that damages the hair follicles. Treatment depends upon what caused the scarring or the inflammation that led to the scarring.