Types of Hair Loss

Over the course of their lifetime, more than 80 percent of men and about half of women will experience significant hair loss. Even though it is very common, hair loss can still take a toll on our self-esteem. Fortunately, many forms of hair loss are temporary or reversible with treatment or surgery. The initial step toward hair restoration is determining why it is happening in the first place.

What Are the Common Types of Hair Loss?

Androgenic (or androgenetic) alopecia is the number one cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is genetic in origin, and hair loss accelerates with age-related hormonal changes.

In men, androgenic alopecia is also referred to as male pattern baldness (MPB). It is characterized by a distinctive M-shaped receding hairline, sometimes accompanied by a widening patch of hair loss at the crown of the scalp. In women, androgenetic alopecia is often called female pattern baldness, and it results in overall hair thinning throughout the scalp. This condition can be slowed down (sometimes significantly) with treatment, or it can be reversed with hair replacement surgery.

Other common hair loss causes include:

Telogen effluvium is a form of excess hair loss across the scalp. It is typically caused by mental or physical stress, which disrupts the hair’s growth cycle. This causes larger than usual numbers of hair strands to shed, while pushing the follicles into their resting phase. Hair thinning from telogen effluvium usually ceases when the stressor is resolved, and hair growth eventually returns to normal. There are treatments that can help individuals retain and regrow hair during this process.

Scarring alopecia – sometimes referred to as cicatricial alopecia – is caused by autoimmune conditions, infections, burns, or chemical exposure. It is characterized by shiny, hairless patches on the scalp and sometimes in tandem with blistering, scaling, or redness. Once scarring occurs, hair will not grow back but the condition may be treatable with hair replacement surgery.

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in circular patches of hair loss on the scalp. This can be triggered by illness, stress, injury, medications, or blood cell abnormalities. It may be reversible with non-surgical hair growth treatments, particularly if the underlying cause is addressed. Alopecia areata is not a condition for which a transplant is recommended because the transplanted follicular units are also susceptible (at risk) of being attacked by the immune system.

Traction alopecia happens when one wears tight hairstyles or uses styling techniques that pull at the root of the hair shaft. This causes hair breakage, as well as inflammation of the hair follicles… sometimes accompanied by itching, acne-like bumps, and redness. If caught early, traction alopecia may be reversible with non-surgical intervention. Otherwise, hair replacement surgery may become necessary.

How Do I Know What Type of Hair Loss I Have?

Some forms of hair loss – like androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata – can be identified by their obvious patterns, but others may require a medical diagnosis. There is no substitute for a proper consultation with a hair loss expert. At your consultation, we can determine the underlying cause of your hair loss by taking your medical history and performing an examination of your hair and scalp. At that time, we may order additional tests or biopsies if necessary.

What Hair Type Loses the Most Hair?

There are some common myths about what type of hair is more prone to falling out – straight versus curly, fine versus thick. The truth is that there is no evidence of a difference in shedding levels between various types of hair. Curly hair is not more likely to fall out, but it is prone to higher levels of breakage due to tangling and harsh combing. Fine hair may look thinner with a little extra shedding, but those with thicker hair shafts experience just as much hair loss.

How Do I Know If My Hair Loss Is Normal?

Some daily hair loss is perfectly normal. The average person sheds between 50-100 hair strands per day. Anything more than this may be a cause for concern, especially if your hair is falling out in clumps or if it is shedding in an obvious pattern. Either of these may indicate a progressive condition that should be addressed as soon as possible. 

Find and Address the Cause of Your Hair Loss

If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, we can determine the cause and create a plan to address it. We are happy to discuss your options at an in-person or virtual consultation. Contact us today to begin your journey to a thicker, fuller head of hair with PNW Hair Restoration.