Types of Hair Loss
There are various types of hair loss. Hairs can fall out from the entire scalp, from the region of the forehead or in patches from the crown of the head.
The term Alopecia is used to describe baldness or loss of hair. Simply defined, it’s losing hair at a faster rate than you grow it! There are many different forms of Alopecia, which are caused due to different causes.
Listed here are the different types of Alopecia or Hair loss:
Alopecia Areata (AA): Used to describe hair loss occurring in patches anywhere on the body.
Alopecia Totalis (AT): Total loss of the hair on the scalp.
Alopecia Universalis (AU): Total loss of all hair on the body.
Alopecia Barbae: Loss of facial hair (for a man) especially in the beard area.
Alopecia Mucinosa: A type of alopecia which results in scaly patches.
Traction Alopecia: Traction alopecia is usually due to excessive pulling or tension on hair shafts as a result of certain hairstyles. Mostly seen in women. Hair loss depends on the way the hair is being pulled. Prolonged traction alopecia can stop new hair follicles developing and lead to permanent hair loss.
Anagen Effluvium: Caused mainly as a side effect of anti cancer medicines. Initially it causes patchy hair loss, which often then becomes total hair loss. This form of Alopecia is reversible, with hair growing back after around six weeks of treatment cessation.
Scarring Alopecia: A form of alopecia, which leaves scarring on the area of hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium: A form of hair loss where more than normal amounts of hair fall out. There is a general ‘thinning’ of the hair. Unlike some other hair and scalp conditions, it is temporary and the hair growth usually recovers.
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): Also known as male pattern baldness. It is a thinning of the hair to an almost transparent state, in both men and women. It is thought to be a hereditary form of hair loss.
