The Different Types of Hair Loss Explained

By Olivia Rahim | April 7, 2021

Did you know that there is an emotional impact from hair loss? Hair loss can occur because of old age or other health factors. If you want to learn about the different types of hair loss, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over the causes of hair loss. This way, you’ll have a better understanding of the different hair loss symptoms.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

Trichotillomania

Some children or adults have the habit of twisting or pulling hair out from their eyelashes or their scalp. This condition is called a hair-pulling disorder or trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder and is more common in children. You might notice hair patches from broken-off hair. After you identify this condition, make sure you see an expert for help.

Folliculitis Decalvans

Hair loss can occur from an inflammatory disorder called folliculitis decalvans. This inflammatory disorder destroys the hair follicles.

People might notice lesions on their scalp, swelling, or redness. Pustules may appear on the scalp as well.

Unfortunately, the hair loss from this disorder isn’t reversible. Yet, a dermatologist will provide medication to help control symptoms. Sometimes, the medication will even stop the progression of hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia

A common type of hair loss’s called androgenetic alopecia. This hair loss’s known as female pattern hair loss or male pattern hair loss and is hereditary. You can manage it with surgery or medication.

Male pattern hair loss can start after puberty hits and can progress over the years. You might begin to notice hair loss above your temples. It can continue around the perimeter and top of your head. Most men go bald.

Women will notice that their hair will begin to thin all over the scalp, but they don’t see the hairline recede. Most women experience this kind of hair loss as they age.

Hair loss can still occur after puberty. In rare cases, women experience baldness. Most of the time, this kind of hair loss will lead to severely thinning hair.

Telogen Effluvium

In the event of telogen effluvium, follicles on the scalp go into the resting phase. What happens is the next hair growth phase doesn’t begin. Hair will end up falling out without new hair growth occurring.

Telogen effluvium doesn’t tend to lead to total baldness. You might lose around 500 hairs a day, and hair can look thin near the temples and crown.

Childbirth, surgery, fever, or a thyroid imbalance can trigger this kind of hair loss. Telogen effluvium can occur if you have a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Iron deficiency is a typical cause of hair loss in women.

Stopping or starting oral contraceptives could also cause this kind of hair loss. If you stop taking the medication, you might see your hair grow back six months later.

This kind of hair loss can end up lasting for years, but doctors aren’t sure why. Reach out to a dermatologist to look at medication that might help your hair.

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium is a rapid hair loss resulting from a treatment like chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is a potent and fast-acting medication. It will kill cancer cells but shuts down hair follicle production. This is why people tend to lose their hair during treatment.

Once chemotherapy is over, hair will begin to grow back.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata will occur when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues like hair follicles. This autoimmune condition causes hair to fall out and keeps new hair from growing back.

Alopecia areata can affect children and adults. Often, hair loss will occur suddenly and without any warning signs. Hair might fall out in small patches.

People also notice hair from eyelashes or eyebrows falling out as well. The disease could lead to alopecia totalis, which is complete hair loss.

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is also known as scalp ringworm. A fungal infection can impact the scalp and cause hair loss in kids.

Tinea capitis can cause hair to fall out in circular patches that leave big bald spots.

Affected areas will appear scaly or red, and the scalp can feel itchy. Some people will end up with blisters or sores that can get infected. A child with this condition might also have a low-grade fever or swollen glands.

A dermatologist will prescribe an antifungal medication to get rid of the fungus. If tinea capitis gets treated early, most kids will regrow their hair.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia, also called scarring alopecia, is a rare kind of hair loss. Inflammation will destroy hair follicles and cause scar tissue to form instead. Once the scar tissue forms, hair won’t be able to regrow.

Hair loss can begin slowly, and the symptoms might not be noticeable at first. In other cases, hair will start to fall out all at once.

People experience severe swelling, itching, or white and red lesions on their scalp. Cicatricial alopecia can happen at any age and affects women and men.

The treatment you get will depend on the kind of cicatricial alopecia that causes your symptoms. 

Learn more by checking out this hair loss guide.

Watch Out for These Different Types of Hair Loss

We hope this guide on types of hair loss was helpful. The different types of hair loss can range from mild to serious. 

If you notice any rashes, hair patches, or baldness, speak to a dermatologist.

Do you want some more tips? Read our other resources on beauty, health, and more.