What are the different types of hair loss?
There are various types of hair loss, and while I can provide you with an overview of these six types, it's important to note that a proper diagnosis should be made by a Medical or Hair Loss professional to accurately diagnose the type of hair loss you may be experiencing and determine the appropriate treatment options.
There are the six different causes for hair loss
1. Genetics
2. Auto Immune Disease
3. Connective Tissue Disease
4. Styling Complications and Misuse
5. Hormones
6. Illness and Disease
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness):
This is the most common type of hair loss, characterized by a gradual thinning of hair in a specific pattern. In men, it often starts with a receding hairline and a bald spot on the crown, while women typically experience overall thinning of the hair that begins mainly at the center part on top of the crown.
Alopecia Areata
This type of hair loss occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy circular hair loss on the scalp, behind the ear or other parts of the body. It can occur suddenly and may result in total hair loss (alopecia totalis) or loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). This can be caused by stress, trauma or autoimmune disease.
Telogen Effluvium
This condition is characterized by excessive shedding of hair due to a disturbance in the hair growth cycle. It can be triggered by various factors such as stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medications, or illnesses. Hair typically regrows once the underlying cause is addressed. Many reported this type of hair loss after having COVID.
Traction Alopecia
This type of hair loss occurs when there is persistent pulling or tension on the hair, often due to hairstyles that pull the hair tightly like braids or pony tails. Over time, these can all cause damage to the hair follicles and result in hair loss, typically around the hairline or where the hair is pulled. Relaxers are also a common cause, especially the hair line as it’s applied there first, and on that section of hair the longest. Traction Alopecia is also caused by wigs, glueing edges and wearing dirty wigs. Wigs should never be worn longer then two months and even that’s excessive. Wigs should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder characterized by the recurrent and irresistible urge to pull out one's own hair. It is classified as an impulse control disorder and is often considered a type of body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). Trichotillomania can result in noticeable hair loss, which can lead to distress and impairment in various areas of life.
Read More about Trichotillomania HERE
Scarring Alopecia
This type of hair loss is caused by inflammation or injury to the hair follicles, resulting in the destruction of follicles and subsequent scarring. Hair loss from scarring alopecia is usually permanent and may be caused by conditions like lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus, or folliculitis decalvans.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.
