Introduction

Do you know what type of hair loss you have?

One of the most common challenges people face is identifying the type of hair loss they are experiencing.

Although hair loss can affect everyone, there are different types, causes, and treatments.

This article will explore the top 11 types of hair loss, and how to treat them.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss that can affect both men and women.

Furthermore, this condition is also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness.

Causes of androgenetic alopecia

Some possible causes of this condition include hormonal imbalances, genetics, and hereditary hair loss.

Symptoms of androgenic alopecia

The symptoms are thinning or shedding of hair, receding hairline, and bald spots.

Treatment options

While there is no cure for this disorder, treatments can help slow down or prevent further hair loss.

However, there are some possible treatments, such as medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by tight hair styles or hair treatments.

Also caused by tight hairstyling or headgear, putting tension on the hair follicles.

Symptoms and effects

The main symptom would be hair loss in certain areas of your scalp.

Moreover, this hair loss is due to pressure applied to hair follicles.

Other similar examples are tight ponytails, hair extensions, or hair braiding, all adding pressure to hair follicles.

Treatment options for traction alopecia

The best treatment is to avoid tight hair styles.

Whether or not hair loss has already occurred, early treatment can help promote hair regrowth.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is another common type of hair loss that can affect people of all ages.

Uniquely, this disorder can cause hair loss on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body.

Causes of alopecia areata

The exact cause of this problem is unknown.

But it seems to connect to an autoimmune response.

Other risk factors include genetics, stress, and certain hair products.

Moreover, even birth control pills can cause hair loss.

Symptoms and effects

Symptoms of alopecia areata can vary depending on quantity of hair loss.

Further, some people may lose hair in patches on their scalp.

While others experienced thinning hair across the scalp, or hair loss on their face or other parts of their body.

Treatment options for alopecia areata

There is no cure for this disorder, but there are treatments that can help hair regrow.

Such possible treatments include medications, immunotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

 

Shakespeare wrote, “There’s many a man has more hair than wit.” 

 

Telogen effluvium

When you have Telogen effluvium, your hair follicles enter early into a resting phase.

This will cause increasing production of dormant cells.

Other causes are stress, genetics, medication, and certain hair products.

Symptoms and effects

Hair loss is the most common symptom of telogen effluvium.

It appears around three months after a stressful event or incident.

In addition, your hair may fall out in clumps instead of normal noticeable hair loss.

At the same time, you will experience itchiness in the affected area.

Depending on the severity of loss of hair, bald patches or thinning hair may appear.

Treatment

There is no single treatment for telogen effluvium

Before working on hair treatment, you need to resolve any underlying issues.

Assuming you are experiencing hair loss, there are non-prescription hair growth products are helpful.

However, if your hair loss is due to any underlying medical condition, consult your doctor.

This is because your doctor may prescribe treatments to address the root cause of your hair loss.

Anecdotal evidence shows sufferer’s hair can recover with appropriate therapy and treatments.

Scarring alopecias

Scarring alopecias, another type of hair loss, damages or inflames hair follicles.

This happens due to infections and autoimmune disorders harming people of all ages.

Symptoms

Hair loss in the afflicted regions can be mild to severe, and it is typically patchy.

People with scarring alopecias often experience other symptoms depending on their underlying causes.

Such symptoms include redness and inflammation in the scalp, skin lesions or sores.

Treatment

There is no single treatment for scarring alopecias.

It is important to identify any underlying causes before any treatment can be carried out.

Depending on the diagnosis result, your doctor may prescribe medication or arrange treatments.

However, non-prescription medication can also help healthy hair growth.

 

Folliculitis decalvans

Folliculitis decalvans occur when inflamed hair follicles end up damaged.

This illness affects people of all ages.

There are several reasons for this type of hair loss.

Such as genetics, dermatological diseases, microbial infections and other underlying medical conditions.

Symptoms

The symptoms of folliculitis decalvans include hair loss, hair thinning, and patchy baldness.

Some other symptoms depending on their underlying cause include itchiness, scalp redness, skin lesions and sores.

Treatment

Folliculitis decalvans is an illness with no specific cure.

Moreover, there are many strategies to encourage healthy hair growth and relieve discomfort.

These include lifestyle changes and taking over-the-counter medicines.

Many individuals suffering folliculitis decalvans can also reclaim their hair by appropriate therapy.

Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia

Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia is another form of hair loss.

It generates permanent damage to the hair follicles.

Many influences can cause this condition, which can affect people of all ages.

These include genetics, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications.

Other symptoms

The most common symptoms would be thinning to baldness.

People with underlying cause may experience dryness and scaling of the scalp, skin and patchy areas of hair loss.

General treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all cure for cicatricial alopecia.

Thus, treating the underlying reason is important for any hair generation.

This involves lifestyle changes, and medication in promoting healthy hair development.

Resulting in many people regaining their hair and having control of their illness.

Congenital Hypotrichosis

People born with congenital hypotrichosis do not have enough hair follicles.

In contrast to alopecia disorders, which are the result of the loss of present hair.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptom of this ailment is the absence of hair in the affected areas.

Another indication can include dryness, scaling, and skin lesions.

In some cases, people with this condition may also experience patchy hair loss.

Treatment

There is no cure for congenital hypotrichosis.

But there are several treatments available to manage the condition.

Such as topical medications, dietary supplements, and hair transplant surgery.

With the right treatment plan, people can regain their hair or keep it healthy.

   

Bacteria causing disease

Infectious diseases can cause hair loss.

These include bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Bacterial infections

One type of bacterial infection, explained earlier, is folliculitis.

The bateria involved are Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

It also causes hair loss and inflammation of the hair follicles.

Other symptoms of folliculitis include itching, redness, and pain in the affected area.

Viral infections

Another type of infection that can cause hair loss is a viral infection.

In fact, the most common type of viral infection that leads to hair loss is herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Additional symptoms of HSV include fever, body aches, and fatigue.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections can also lead to hair loss.

Ringworm or tinea capitis is the most prevalent form of fungal infection.

Other signs and symptoms of ringworm include patches of scaly skin and bald spots with black dots in the middle.

If you are experiencing this type of hair loss, consult with your doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause.

Defects in hair shaft

There are many defects in the hair shaft, which can lead to you losing hair.

The list of common defects is as follows:

Loose anagen syndrome

Loose anagen syndrome occurs when the hair follicles are abnormally loose.

Ultimately, this can cause the hair to fall out easily, resulting in thinning or baldness.

Another symptoms of this condition include itching and redness of the scalp.

Treatment

There is no cure for loose anagen syndrome, but several treatments are available to treat it.

For example, topical medications, hair transplantation, and wigs or hairpieces.

Trichorrhexis nodosa

Trichorrhexis nodosa is an uncommon disease in which hair shafts become brittle and break easily.

This leads to broken hair shafts creating patchy areas of hair loss, and brittle or fragile hair.

Treatment

There is no cure for Trichorrhexis nodosa.

But there are treatments that can help manage the problem.

These include the use of hair loss shampoos, topical medications, and nutritional supplements.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing rapid hair loss, consult with a doctor or dermatologist.

They can help you determine the underlying cause or causes.

With proper treatment, many people can regain their hair or slow hair loss.

Be sure to share this article with your friends and family.

FAQ

1. How can I know what type of hair loss I am experiencing?

Best way to determine the underlying cause is to consult with a doctor or dermatologist.

Some common signs displaying serious hair loss are thinning, bald patches, and hair shedding.

2. Will my hair grow back if I am dealing with temporary hair loss?

It depends on the type of hair loss you are experiencing.

While temporary hair loss, such as traction alopecia or loose anagen syndrome, may be reversible, other types may be permanent.

Consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your particular situation.

3. What types of hair loss is permanent?

There are several types of permanent hair loss, including traction alopecia and trichorrhexis nodosa.

Other causes of permanent hair loss may include genetic factors or defects in the hair shaft.

Treatment options depend on the underlying cause, which includes medication, surgery or lifestyle changes.

 

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Disclaimer: We do not recommend or encourage you to use any of these statements as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They are for educational purposes only. The FDA has not conducted any studies on them. If you have a medical concern, see your doctor immediately.