Noticing your hair getting thinner or falling out can feel distressing. It’s one of the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist — and it often comes with lots of questions.
The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. It’s not just one condition, but a term that covers many different types of hair loss. Some are temporary and reversible, while others may be more permanent.
The good news? With the right understanding and treatment, many people can slow, stop, or even reverse their hair loss. Let’s break it down.
1. What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect any hair-bearing area, such as:
• The scalp (most common)
• Facial hair; eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard
• Body hair
Some forms are temporary while others can be permanent.
2. The Main Types of Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia
The most common type of hair loss
Men: usually starts with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown which can progressively lead to baldness
Women: often looks like overall thinning or a widening parting, with the hairline usually retained
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks hair follicles
Can cause small, circular bald patches (most common), complete loss from the scalp and sometimes face (alopecia totalis), or, in severe cases, complete loss from the whole body (alopecia universalis)
Some people experience regrowth, but it can be unpredictable
Telogen Effluvium
A temporary shedding which can be triggered by many factors including; stress, illness, childbirth, weight loss, surgery, or medication
Hair usually grows back within a few months once the trigger has passed
Traction Alopecia
A form of acquired hair loss from prolonged or repetitive tension on the scalp caused by specific hairstyles (like braids, ponytails, or extensions)
Can be reversible if caught early but long-term tension may cause permanent damage to the hair follicles and scarring
Scarring Alopecias
A rare group of conditions where inflammation damages the follicles and replaces them with scar tissue (fibrosis)
Leads to permanent hair loss and needs specialist diagnosis and treatment urgently
3. Causes of Different Types of Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Genetics: inherited sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens (male hormones)
Hormones: particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles over time
Age: risk increases as people get older
Alopecia Areata
Autoimmune condition: the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles
Genetic predisposition: higher risk if family members have alopecia or other autoimmune conditions (like vitiligo or thyroid disease)
Environmental triggers: stress, viral infections, or skin injury may act as triggers
Other autoimmune associations: sometimes linked with conditions such as type 1 diabetes or thyroid disorders
Telogen Effluvium
Stressful events: major illness, surgery, or trauma
Hormonal changes: childbirth, stopping birth control, menopause, thyroid imbalance
Nutritional deficiencies: iron, protein, zinc, vitamin D
Medications: chemotherapy, retinoids, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, excess vitamin A
Crash diets/rapid weight loss
Severe infection or high fever
Traction Alopecia
Hairstyles that cause prolonged tension: tight braids, ponytails, buns, or extensions
Hair accessories: heavy wigs or hairpieces applied with adhesive
Cultural/occupational factors: certain traditional hairstyles or helmets worn long-term
Heat and chemicals: frequent use of relaxers, straighteners, or bleaching, which weaken hair strands and roots
Scarring Alopecias (Cicatricial Alopecia)
Inflammatory conditions: e.g. lichen planopilaris, discoid lupus erythematosus, folliculitis decalvans
Infections: fungal, bacterial, or viral infections that damage follicles
Trauma or burns: physical injury to the scalp
Radiation or harsh chemical injury
4. Alopecia Treatment Options
While not all types of alopecia can be fully reversed, there are effective treatments and management strategies available.
Medical Treatments
Topical Minoxidil: a proven treatment that stimulates follicles and promotes regrowth
Finasteride (oral and topical, men only): Blocks DHT, a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia
Steroid injections or creams: Used for autoimmune alopecia areata
Immunotherapy: Sometimes recommended for severe alopecia areata cases
Lifestyle & Supportive Care
Gentle hair care: Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, or excessive heat
Balanced diet: Adequate protein, iron, vitamin D, and zinc are vital for hair health
Stress management: Practices like meditation, exercise, and good sleep help regulate the hair growth cycle
Specialist & Surgical Options
PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma): Uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate follicles
Hair transplant surgery: For permanent hair loss where healthy follicles are transplanted to thinning areas
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP): A non-surgical cosmetic treatment that creates the appearance of fuller hair by using tiny, natural-looking pigment dots on the scalp. For people with alopecia, SMP can be a powerful confidence boost — it mimics the look of natural hair follicles, reducing the contrast between thinning or bald areas and the rest of the scalp. Unlike hair transplants, it doesn’t restore actual hair growth, but it provides an effective way to disguise patches, scars, or overall thinning, offering a low-maintenance and long-lasting solution for those seeking a fuller-looking hairline
Wigs and toppers: Cosmetic solutions to restore confidence
5. When To See A Doctor
You should seek medical advice if you experience:
Sudden or patchy hair loss
Excessive shedding that lasts more than a few months
Hair loss accompanied by scalp pain, redness, or irritation
Family history of hair loss and you want early preventative support
Final Thoughts
Alopecia can be caused by a wide range of factors – from genetics and hormones to stress and immune system activity. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to help manage hair loss, encourage regrowth and rebuild confidence.
We believe knowledge is power. Understanding the types of alopecia, causes and treatment options is the first step in taking back control of your hair health.
At Hair + Me, we offer personalised hair regrowth treatments, including topical Minoxidil for both men and women.
Take our online consultation today to see if you’re eligible for treatment.
References
Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls. 2025.
Lolli F, et al. Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Endocrine. 2017.
Dahabreh D, et al. Alopecia Areata: Current Treatments and New Directions. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023.
Jimeno Ortega I, Stefanato CM. Telogen effluvium: a 360-degree review. Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2023.
Akintilo L, et al. Management of Traction Alopecia. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021.
Larrondo J, McMichael AJ. Scarring Alopecia. Dermatol Clin. 2023.
Nestor MS, et al. Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021.
Harries MJ, et al. British Association of Dermatologists living guideline for alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol. 2025.
Helpful Resources
Alopecia UK - Provides support, community and education to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia
Alopecia UK Service Directory - Helpful products and services for those with alopecia