What To Know About Different Types Of Hair Loss

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There are two types of hair loss: non-scarring (non-cicatricial) and scarring (cicatricial). Non-scarring alopecias are far more common, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common type of hair loss. On the other hand, there’s scarring alopecia, which is less common and far more distressing because it’s permanent. 

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the more commonly discussed types of hair loss. 

What Are The Different Types Of Hair Loss?

There are many different types of hair loss, some of which are as follows: 

Androgenetic Alopecia

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. It can affect both men and women, and its risk increases with age. 

According to research, pattern baldness affects 30% of Caucasian men in their 30s, 40% of Caucasians in their 40s, and 50% of Caucasians in their 50s. Additionally, it has been reported that as many as 50% of women can experience this type of hair loss by the time they reach 60. 

The pattern of this hair loss is, however, different in both men and women. In males, it results in an “M” and then “U” shaped recession of the hairline with thinning of the crown. 

However, in females, androgenetic alopecia can result in diffuse thinning (Ludwig scale), form a “Christmas” tree pattern of hair loss or progress in a manner similar to classic male pattern baldness.

Treatment 

There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for androgenetic alopecia. 

Topical minoxidil (a vasodilator) is an FDA-approved drug for pattern baldness in men and women. Finasteride is another FDA-approved drug but for male pattern baldness only. 

Other medications are also used in the treatment of this condition, such as dutasteride, spironolactone and ketoconazole. 

Non-surgical medical therapies for androgenetic alopecia also include platelet-rich plasma therapy, laser therapy, polynucleotides and exosomes, among others. 

Hair transplantation surgery is another treatment option that can give permanent and long-lasting results. 

Alopecia Areata 

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring chronic alopecia that occurs due to an autoimmune disorder — an individual’s immune system starts attacking its own healthy cells, including those in the hair follicles. This results in the formation of small, smooth, and circular coin-sized patches.

Thirunavukkarasye-Raveendran, Alopecia areata 2, CC BY 4.0

In addition to the scalp, alopecia areata can affect other areas of the face and the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, nose hair and hair in your pubic area, armpits, legs, chest and stomach. There are different classifications of alopecia areata, which are as follows: 

• Alopecia barbae – Alopecia areata of the beard area 
• Alopecia Totalis – Complete loss of scalp hair 
• Alopecia Universalis – Complete loss of hair on the scalp, face and body  
• Diffuse Alopecia – Thinning occurs all over the scalp and not just in one area 
• Ophiasis Alopecia – Band-like pattern of hair loss on the sides and back of the scalp 
• Inverse ophiasis – The opposite of ophiasis alopecia. It affects the centre of the scalp 
• Marie Antoinette Syndrome – “Overnight” greying of the hair as well as diffuse hair loss 

Clinical Subtype Photos. a. Patch subtype with solitary patch. b. Patch subtype with multiple coalescing patches. c. Ophiasis Pattern. d. Sasaipho Pattern. e. Alopecia Totatalis/Sibbald C. Alopecia Areata: An Updated Review for 2023. J Cutan Med Surg. 2023 May-Jun;27(3):241-259. doi: 10.1177/12034754231168839. PMID: 37340563; PMCID: PMC10291119/CC BY-NC 4.0

According to the American Skin Association, about 20% of people with alopecia areata also have a relative with the same condition, suggesting a genetic basis. Environmental factors like stress can also trigger an episode of this condition. Additionally, other autoimmune conditions, like lupus, type 1 diabetes and vitiligo, have also been associated with alopecia areata.

Treatment 

Treatment for alopecia areata most commonly involves steroids. Minoxidil may also be prescribed to help with hair growth. PRP and low-level laser therapy may also be helpful for alopecia areata. A hair transplant surgery, on the other hand, may be contraindicated. In any case, it’s best to consult a doctor for an appropriate treatment plan. 

Telogen Effluvium 

Telogen effluvium is the kind of non-cicatricial hair loss that occurs 3-4 months after the occurrence of a stressful event. The “stress” in this case may be any of the following: 

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth 
• Illness (e.g. COVID, HIV, syphilis, graves’ disease)
• Medication 
• Surgery 
• Hormonal changes (e.g. thyroid hair loss)
• Weight loss 
• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin)
• Difficult life transitions (divorce, death) 

Telogen effluvium pushes 70% of the hair from the anagen phase of the growth cycle to the telogen phase. Depending on how long this type of hair loss occurs, there are two classifications of it: 

• Acute telogen effluvium – When hair loss lasts for fewer than 6 months 
• Chronic telogen effluvium – When telogen effluvium lasts longer than 6 months 

Telogen effluvium is a common cause of hair loss and can affect any person at any point in their life.

Treatment 

You may not require any treatment for telogen effluvium since the condition is self-limiting. Minoxidil and PRP may be helpful in the regrowth of hair but it’s important to get a medical consult to identify the underlying cause of telogen effluvium. 

Traction Alopecia

One of the common causes of hair loss in women is traction alopecia. The tension on the hair strands due to tightly pulled back, curled, or knotted hairstyles can result in their breakage. Because of certain hairstyles like braids, cornrows, and dreadlocks, traction alopecia is more common in African women. 

Before getting hair transplant with Longevita, rapper Paigey Cakey experienced extensive hair loss due to traction alopecia

This type of hair loss can be both non-scarring and scarring; in the case of the latter, of course, the hair loss is permanent. Prolonged traction can result in scarring hair loss. 

Keep in mind that traction alopecia can also affect men who wear their hair in tight buns or ponytails. Additionally, excessive grooming can also result in traction alopecia in the beard. 

Treatment 

Traction alopecia treatment depends on whether the hair loss is still in its early stages or has progressed to the late stage. In the early stages, treatment can include minoxidil and steroids. However, if permanent hair loss has occurred, a hair transplant might be able to help. 

Anagen Effluvium 

Anagen effluvium is an abnormal shedding of the hair in the anagen phase of hair growth. It’s a common side effect of cancer treatments like chemo and radiotherapy. 

Anagen effluvium after chemotherapy. Malakar SS, Mehta PR, Malakar SS. Tulipoid Hair: Anagen Effluvium Marker! Int J Trichology. 2018 Jul-Aug;10(4):188-190. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_98_17. PMID: 30386082; PMCID: PMC6192241/CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Anagen effluvium can also be drug-induced or occur due to heavy metal intoxication. It’s also been reported in some health problems like COVID and syphilis.

Keep in mind that at any given time, around 90% of the hair is in the active anagen growth phase. So, when it’s interrupted in anagen effluvium, it affects the majority of the hair. Hair loss can begin a week or month after the problematic event and continue as long as the hair is exposed. 

Usually, anagen effluvium is reversible. It’s also non-scarring.

Treatment 

Treatment for anagen effluvium can include minoxidil. In some cases, it may also be possible to prevent this type of hair loss through a device like scalp tourniquet or cooling caps. 

Loose Anagen Syndrome

Loose anagen syndrome is a diffuse, non-scarring hair disorder that most commonly affects blonde girls between the ages of 2 and 5; however, it can also affect people of other ethnicities.

Leerunyakul K, Suchonwanit P. A Case of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome in a Southeast Asian Boy. Case Rep Dermatol. 2019 Jul 3;11(2):204-208. doi: 10.1159/000501443. PMID: 31341463; PMCID: PMC6639585/CC BY-NC 4.0

In this condition, the hair in the active anagen phase is loosely anchored to the scalp, and its characteristic feature is that the hair is easily and painlessly pulled out. 

Other than that, the hair is also matted, tangled, unruly, and thin — it’s not easily manageable. Affected individuals also tend to have “bed hair” where the hair at the back stands up straight. 

Treatment 

This condition doesn’t require any treatment since it tends to go away on its own. Still, minoxidil has been prescribed to promote hair regrowth in loose anagen syndrome. 

Involutional Alopecia  

Involutional or senile alopecia is a type of non-scarring hair loss that occurs due to the natural process of ageing. 

You will see that your hair grows more slowly as you get older, it won’t get too long, and it will become thinner as well.

Oxidative stress, changes to the hair follicles and the hair growth cycle are believed to play a role in involutional alopecia. 

Treatment 

While it’s not possible to reverse this type of hair loss, medication like minoxidil, PRP and a healthy diet might be able to help. 

Hypotrichosis

Hypotrichosis is a rare genetic disorder that affects the growth of hair on the scalp, face and body. This type of hair loss is also non-scarring. 

Hair is normal at birth, but then it grows sparse. And by adulthood, most of the hair is lost. 

Even when the hair is there, it doesn’t go past more than a few inches. It remains short, dry, tightly curled, and also tends to be lighter in colour. 

Treatment 

Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for this type of hair loss. 

Tinea Capitis 

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, which is most common in children. It’s also contagious. You can catch it by coming into contact with an infected person or sharing their hair accessories. Animals can also pass it on to you. 

Round, scaly patches appear on the scalp due to tinea capitis, and it can also cause itchiness. The hair also becomes easy to break.

Teigne – Tinea capitis, CC BY-SA 4.0

Treatment 

Fortunately, tinea capitis can be cured with anti-fungal medication and shampoo. However, in more severe cases, it can cause scarring and permanent hair loss. 

Trichotillomania 

Falling in the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trichotillomania is a repeated urge to pull hair out from different areas of the body, including the scalp and facial hair.

Zhao X, Wang S, Hong X, Lu S, Tang S, Shen Y, Feng M, Guo P, Fang Y. A case of trichotillomania with binge eating disorder: combined with N-acetylcysteine synergistic therapy. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2021 Sep 25;20(1):46. doi: 10.1186/s12991-021-00369-9. PMID: 34563228; PMCID: PMC8467022/CC BY 4.0

It is one of the causes of hair loss in both men and women, affecting them almost equally. This type of hair loss can also be both non-scarring and scarring (if the hair is pulled for a long time). 

One way this type of hair loss is diagnosed (and distinguished from other causes of hair loss) is that the regrowth takes place at different lengths.

Treatment 

Treatment for trichotillomania can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help change the problematic behaviour. 

Traumatic Alopecia 

Traumatic alopecia is what occurs when there is skin trauma on the scalp. This can be a result of the following: 

• Accidents
• Friction
• Extreme pressure
• Chemical injury 
• Heat damage 

This kind of hair loss can be permanent or temporary.

Treatment 

Treatment for traumatic alopecia will depend on the kind of trauma you’ve experienced. If hair loss is permanent, it may be possible for you to get a hair transplant surgery. However, depending on the problem, non-surgical treatment options might also be able to help you. 

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia 

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring hair loss in which hair follicles are permanently destroyed. It is called “central centrifugal” because the hair loss begins in the crown area of the scalp and then spreads out in a centrifugal pattern.

Herskovitz I, Miteva M. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: challenges and solutions. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016 Aug 17;9:175-81. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S100816. PMID: 27574457; PMCID: PMC4993262/CC BY-NC 3.0

There’s an early stage and late stage of the disease — in the latter, the follicles are lost, and the scalp appears smooth and shiny. 

This condition can run in families though environmental factors, like chemical relaxers, heat styling tools and tight hairstyles, have also been implicated.

Treatment 

Treatment for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia can include medications (steroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, etc.). Minoxidil and PRP may also be recommended for regrowth. Additionally, however, you may have to change your hair grooming and styling practices. 

Lichen Planopilaris 

Lichen planopilaris is a type of permanent hair loss that affects the skin of the scalp. Though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, according to the Scarring Alopecia Foundation, it might possibly occur due to a problem with the person’s immune system.

Nohria A, Desai D, Ortiz C, Khalil S, Moshiri A, Shapiro J, Lo Sicco K. Scalp trauma in lichen planopilaris: Case reports of disease progression from fire fighter helmet use. JAAD Case Rep. 2024 Apr 21;48:90-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.04.016. PMID: 38783930; PMCID: PMC11111581/CC BY 4.0

Besides hair loss, this condition can also cause pain, burning sensation, itchiness, tenderness and form tiny red bumps, among other symptoms — although there are some who do not have any symptoms.

Treatment 

Though the condition is not curable, there are different treatments including medication such as steroids, hydroxychloroquine, oral retinoids, antibiotics, minoxidil, etc. You need to talk to a doctor for an appropriate treatment plan. 

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia 

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is another type of scarring hair loss, characterised by a band-like pattern of hair loss seen at the front of the scalp. The damaged hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue, resulting in permanent loss of hair.

Carmona-Rodríguez M, Moro-Bolado F, Romero-Aguilera G, Ruiz-Villaverde R, Carriel V. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Observational Single-Center Study of 306 Cases. Life (Basel). 2023 Jun 8;13(6):1344. doi: 10.3390/life13061344. PMID: 37374126; PMCID: PMC10300830/CC BY 4.0

In addition to the scalp, frontal fibrosing alopecia can also affect the facial hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows, as well as the hair on the body. 

Frontal fibrosing alopecia is considered to be a variant of lichen planopilaris.

Treatment 

Steroids are usually used for the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia. Topical calcineurin inhibitors may be prescribed to help with the inflammation. There is, however, no cure for this condition. 

A hair transplant may be possible to restore hair in the bald area, but the success rate of the surgery can be lower than what it normally is. 

Graham-Little Syndrome 

Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lasseur syndrome is another type of lichen planopilaris. As reported in one study, this condition is characterised by a “triad” which includes: 

• Scarring hair loss of the scalp 
• Non-scarring hair loss in the axilla and groin 
• “Follicular spinous papule” on the head, the body or both of these areas 

According to Medscape, the cause of this condition is not known but there are different hypotheses pointing towards immunologic, genetic, viral, hormonal and other factors. 

Treatment 

Medication for the treatment of Graham-Little syndrome can include steroids, retinoids, antimalarials, phototherapy, etc. 

Folliculitis Decalvans 

Folliculitis decalvans is a chronic condition, usually resulting in hair loss in the crown and occipital regions of the scalp. 

It is not known what exactly causes this type of scarring hair loss, but it’s believed to occur to a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. 

Since hair follicles are permanently destroyed in folliculitis decalvans, the condition is irreversible.

Treatment 

Because staph bacteria are believed to cause folliculitis decalvans, antibiotics are used in its treatment. However, other drugs like retinoids, steroids and antiseptics may also be used. A hair transplant surgery may be possible following remission, but success isn’t guaranteed. 

Pseudopedale of Brocq

Pseudopedale of Brocq is a scarring alopecia that usually affects the crown and parietal regions of the scalp. It can leave small and irregularly shaped patches of hair loss on the scalp, hypopigmentation, itchiness, and depressed atrophic plaque, among other symptoms.

 Diwan N, Gohil S, Nair PA. Primary idiopathic pseudopelade of brocq: five case reports. Int J Trichology. 2014 Jan;6(1):27-30. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.136759. PMID: 25114452; PMCID: PMC4124692/CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Treatment 

Certain medications are used in the treatment of pseudopedale of Brocq and these can include minoxidil, isotretinoin, immunosuppressants, antimalarials, steroids, hydroxychloroquine, etc. It may also be possible for you to get a hair transplant, though the condition can make a comeback. 

Others 

Hair shaft disorders like trichorrhexis nodosa, trichorrhexis invaginata (bamboo hair), pili torti, and monilethrix, among others, can also negatively affect the integrity of your hair. 

Skin conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and keloidal folliculitis can also lead to hair loss.

How Do You Know What Type Of Hair Loss You Have? 

For an accurate diagnosis of hair loss, you should seek medical attention from a doctor. A hair loss diagnosis may include a medical history, physical examination, blood test, or even a biopsy.

Experiencing Hair Loss? 

Longevita arranges surgical and non-surgical treatments for hair loss in both London and Istanbul. High quality care and results are provided by teams of highly experienced practitioners at affordable prices. If you’re interested in starting your journey with us, feel free to get in touch!