Types of Hair Loss

The causes of hair loss are varied, and hair loss treatments are specific to the types of hair loss. There are six main types of hair loss with each type having its own unique characteristics. The six types are: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, cicatricial alopecia, anagen effluvium and traction alopecia.

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Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (also known as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia androgenetica) is usually called male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. In androgenetic alopecia, the hair follicles will decrease in size resulting in hair that is weaker and thinner. The shrinking of hair follicles will worsen with every hair growth cycle and sometimes to the point where they are no longer able to generate new hair growth at all. Hair loss in this case is a gradual process that takes place over some time.

In men, androgenetic alopecia have been linked with various medical conditions such as prostate cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Androgenetic alopecia in women is linked with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a form of hormonal imbalance that can cause hirsutism, acne, weight gain, and irregular menstruation.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is also known as diffuse hair loss, meaning that the hair loss is distributed fairly evenly from all over the scalp instead of in patches or patterns. This type of hair loss involves a disruption in the normal growth cycle of scalp hair. Telogen effluvium occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair. In Telogen effluvium, a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about 3 months after which then a large amount of hair will be shed. Often the person involved will have recovered from the event before the hair loss occurs. In most cases, the hair loss is temporary. However in some cases the hair loss continues until the underlying cause is fixed. Telogen effluvium appears to affect more women than men because of precipitating events such as childbirth experienced by women. It could also be something minor such as a new medication or a major upset such as a serious illness. The growth cycle often resumes once the cause is identified and addressed.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss not only on the scalp but also throughout the body. In Alopecia areata, you can see bald patches with well defined margins. This is a common but capricious disease that affects many people in the world, including over 5 million people in the United States. Alopecia areata can worsen into two conditions: alopecia totalis - the total loss of scalp hair, and alopecia universalis - the total loss of scalp and body hair.

In Alopecia areata, a person's own immune system mistakenly attacks the affected hair follicles, causing a disruption in the body’s natural hair growth cycle. The hair follicles are not destroyed but instead it is as if they have fallen into a state of hibernation and have become dormant. Many people affected with alopecia areata will only have one experience of hair loss with hair growing back afterwards; however it is estimated that in approximately 20% of cases hair loss recurs or becomes permanent.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia; or Scarring alopecia, occurs when the hair follicles are destroyed causing the formation of scar tissue (cicatrix) in patches. Hair loss is permanent in this case since the follicles are irreparable.

Cicatricial alopecia occurs when the hair follicles become inflamed, usually caused by an infection. In a severe case of cicatricial alopecia, you can see patches of chapped and cracked skin on the scalp that consists of connective tissue and small blood vessels. Even though there are many different types, cases of cicatricial alopecia are few and rare. To prevent permanent hair loss, it is most important that the condition is treated as early as possible. People whose skin has been scarred by burns, certain diseases, radiation therapy, or other injuries may develop cicatricial alopecia.

Anagen Effluvium

Like telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium is a form of diffuse hair loss. The difference is that anagen effluvium develops faster and with grave consequences - total hair loss. Anagen effluvium is most commonly caused by chemicals or radiation; such as the hair loss that results from certain types of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, or from ingesting toxic products. Anagen effluvium caused by chemotherapy is only a temporary condition and in most cases hair growth will return to normal once treatment is finished.

In anagen effluvium the hair does not enter a resting stage as is does with telogen effluvium. In anagen effluvium, the hair follicles get trapped in suspended animation causing the hair fibers to fall off quickly. As with it's development, the recovery of anagen effluvium is equally rapid the moment the factors causing it are remedied.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is typically caused when damage is done to the hair follicle and dermal papilla through prolonged and excessive pulling on the hair. Hair styling methods such as braiding, ponytails and cornrows are the common culprits in traction alopecia. The hair loss may even become irreversible if such traction on the hair carries on for a prolonged period of time. Usually, a change in hairstyling method to one that is less stressful on the hair and the hair follicles is sufficient enough to counter traction alopecia.

Women and men; especially African-Americans, who style their hair by braiding it too tightly usually suffers from this condition. Traditional hair styles, such as those worn by Japanese women and Sikh men, might pull the hair for prolonged periods of time and eventually damage it. Traction alopecia is more common amongst the younger generation.

Excessive processing of the hair can also cause traction alopecia. The chemical reaction from excessive use of hair treatments such as dyes and bleaches can affect the hair follicles and reduce strength of your hair. Hence, the hair will become more fragile and fall off during combing or brushing.

The information on this site is designed for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your family doctor.