As there are many reasons that can cause hair loss, there are also many different types of hair loss depending on these reasons. The most common types of hair loss are as follows:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia
Also known as “male pattern hair loss,” androgenetic alopecia is usually observed in individuals with a genetic predisposition. This type of hair loss usually occurs in relation to male hormone sensitivity, and it begins to appear in male individuals in their 20s to 30s.
Symptoms:
- Loss of hair at more than the normal rate
- Thinning in the hair strands
- Receding in the front hairline
- Balding on the top of the scalp
Although it is known as a male pattern of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia is observed in women as well. The reason behind its occurrence in women is an excessive amount of androgen secretion. Hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition are among the other factors that cause this type of hair loss.
Hair loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia in women is observed to begin in adolescence. The severity of the hair loss begins to appear on the scalp and continues to the back of the head. It is a permanent type of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia symptoms are seen in women:
- Decrease in hair quality
- Weakening in the hair strands and consequently the loss of hair volume
2. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is observed equally in men and women. The type of hair loss occurs when the immune system attacks its own hair follicles. In the areas on the scalp where the follicles lost their function as a result, severe hair loss symptoms begin to appear. It is also known as “hairbreaker” among people.
The causes may vary from person to person. But it is generally considered an autoimmune reaction. Genetic factors and psychological and physical violence are among the accepted causes. This type of hair loss can occur suddenly, and it can also cause shedding in eyebrows, beard, and various parts of the body. Eyebrow and beard transplant is the treatment used to intervene in this type of shedding. There is no definitive treatment for this type of shedding. But it is a temporary type of hair loss except for exceptional cases.
3. Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is the next stage of Alopecia Areata. Similar to the previous type of hair loss, the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in severe shedding on the various parts of the scalp. The main cause behind this type of hair loss is extreme stress. There is no permanent treatment for this type of shedding as well. But the use of immunomodulators containing selenium, vitamins A, B2, and B6 is recommended as a preventive treatment.
4. Traction Alopecia
Defined as a traumatic hair loss, Traction Alopecia occurs when the hair follicles are exposed to rough pulling and excessive stretching. This type of shedding is quite common in African and American women. Its first symptoms are a receding hairline that leads to the temporal areas and the forehead. Traction Alopecia is one of the treatable hair loss problems.
5. Cicatricial Alopecia
Cicatricial Alopecia is caused by severe damage to hair follicles stemming from scalp injuries. A type of genetic transmission is not observed in this type of hair loss. It can be seen both in men and women and it is separated into two categories.
Primary Cicatricial Alopecia: It is a type of permanent hair loss stemming from deformations on the scalp.
Secondary Cicatricial Alopecia: A type of shedding caused by secondary causes that damage hair follicles. It is often observed after accidents, traumas, and scalp-related infections. Secondary Cicatricial Alopecia also results in wounds, red bumps, dandruff, and acne on the scalp. It is a permanent type of hair loss that requires hair transplantation.
6. Telogen Effluvium
It is the most common type of hair loss in women. It is a hair health issue that is generally observed in women experiencing the postpartum period or entering the early stages of menopause. Malnutrition, stress, hormonal imbalances, medications, or feverish diseases are among the causes.
7. Involutional Alopecia
It is a natural type of shedding seen in both men and women in relation to age progression. Gradual decrease and thinning are observed in the hair. And the hair follicles fail to nourish the hair strands, resulting in hair loss. Extra care in the early stages is essential to prevent the problem from developing.
8. Alopecia Barbae
It is a type of shedding observed in facial hair. The main causes are autoimmune diseases and genetic predisposition. The progress of Alopecia Barbae can be slow. Though there are also occasions where it occurs suddenly. Stress and depression are thought to be some of the important causes of this type of hair loss.
9. Anagen Effluvium
It is the type of hair loss that occurs as a side effect of treatments and medications. Hair shedding is observed even when there is no deformation observed.
10. Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is a condition characterized by the complete loss of body hair. It is the advanced form of Alopecia Areata and can be observed at every age. The exact cause of it is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles.