Types Of Hair Loss

When you start to notice a receding hairline, hair thinning, decreasing hair volume, or a widening hair part, it's normal to focus on the change to your appearance. But not all hair loss is the same. Some are temporary, while others are more permanent. Hair loss causes could be a byproduct of stress, prescription medications, genetics, or an underlying medical condition.

Before treating hair loss, it's essential to know the types of hair loss.

The medical name for hair loss is “alopecia,” and then another term is added to indicate the reason for the hair loss.

Androgenic alopecia, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss. It's more commonly known as “male pattern baldness,” “male pattern hair loss,” or “female pattern hair loss” by the general public. As the medical names indicate, the cause for this type of hair loss is genetic.

Androgenetic alopecia manifests differently in men than women. In men, the hair loss begins a bit above the temples, creating an M-shaped hairline as hair recedes. In some cases, it can continue to advance until the crown of the head is completely bald. For women, it causes overall hair thinning. In either case, a permanent solution is transplanting donor hair from the untouched parts of the scalp to the affected areas.

Telogen Effluvium is at the other end of the spectrum. This form of hair loss is temporary and typically stress induced. It occurs when a larger number of hair strands than usual enter the resting phase of the natural hair life cycle. Childbirth, surgery, and thyroid imbalances are other possible triggers for telogen effluvium. Fortunately, it is reversible and there are ways to help revive the normal growth phase.

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease in which the person's immune system attacks their hair follicles. In some cases, prolonged periods of high stress can cause alopecia areata… but in others, the trigger is unknown. This form of hair loss usually occurs as small patches and can even affect body hair – including beards, eyebrows, & eye lashes.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata can vary… with medications such as corticosteroids or minoxidil generally tried first. Sometimes the hair loss will revert and grow back on its own. In other cases, the alopecia areata clears up but will leave bald patches that may be good candidates for hair restoration surgery.

Traction Alopecia occurs after someone wears their hair in styles that pull tightly against the hair follicles, gradually causing damage. Examples include tight buns, ponytails, braids, and such, but it can also happen if tight headwear (such as hats, helmets, etc.) pull on the hair and damage the follicles. Traction alopecia can be reversible if caught early. In other cases, hair restoration surgery may be needed to fill in the damaged areas.

Scarring Alopecia is also known as cicatricial alopecia. While a burn or serious infection can cause scarring alopecia, a more common cause is inflammation that damages the hair follicles. Treatment depends upon what caused the scarring or the inflammation that led to the scarring.

A certain amount of hair shedding is normal. At any given time roughly one-third of your hair is in the growing phase, one-third is in the transition phase, and one-third is in the resting phase. That's why you'll find loose hair after combing, brushing, washing, or styling. Additionally, certain times of the year can cause increased shedding.

What's the difference between normal shedding and hair loss? Normal shedding involves 50-100 hair strands a day.

A common test to tell the difference is to separate out roughly 20-60 strands of hair from the rest of your hair. Grip that section between your thumb and first two fingers near the scalp and gently but firmly run your hand down that section of hair, pulling gently. If more than 10 percent of the sectioned-out strands come out, see a dermatologist or hair specialist for further examination.

H2T are leaders in the field of cosmetic medicine, including hair restoration. If you're starting to not like your appearance when you look in the mirror or are dealing with thinning hair, contact us today for an evaluation. We'll create a treatment plan that will restore your confidence and youthful appearance. Call us today at (508) 530-9600.