There are quite a few different types of hair loss conditions. All of which have in common almost exclusively the fact that they make your hair shed and fall. The underlying conditions from which all of them stem vary depending on the type. 

Androgenetic Alopecia

Also known more commonly as “male pattern baldness” when it afflicts men and “female pattern baldness” when it afflicts women, this type of hair loss comes from our own genes. Certain genes we inherit from either or both of our parents lead to this condition. Also, having balding people on each side of the family is a telltale sign.

In men, it presents itself at the front of the hairline, making it recede and revealing more of the scalp. In women, it starts making the hair thinner in the crown of the head where the hair starts to part in two.

Certain genes make you more sensitive to even small quantities of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a by-product of testosterone, the main male hormone, which both genders have. 

Once produced, DHT proceeds to bind itself with hormonal receptors located in your hair follicles. This causes a reaction from the follicles in which they start to shrink, thinning your hair as a result progressively. The shrinking continues until they no longer grow out of the scalp, effectively causing baldness. This type of hair loss is not reversible.

Telogen Effluvium

This happens when the hair enters the resting phase of the hair cycle called the “telogen,” where it starts shedding. The telogen phase is usually followed by a renewal phase, which does not happen when one is suffering from telogen effluvium. The causes can be illness, hormonal imbalance, and childbirth. The hair loss reverses once the condition is under control.

Anagen Effluvium

It comes from medications that shut down the production of the hair from the follicles, such as chemotherapy medication. The hair loss reverses around six to nine months after stopping the treatment.

Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own tissue, hair follicles being one of its more visible targets. It can also affect hair from the rest of the body. These type of hair loss is reversible once the condition is under control.

Cicatricial Alopecia

This condition is the destruction of the hair follicles due to inflammation on the scalp. It is usually accompanied by redness, itching, and lesions in the affected area. A variety of diseases can cause this. The hair loss from it might be permanent if the condition is not treated early.

Traction Alopecia

This is the loosening of the hair and the hair follicle due to hairstyles that put constant strain on it, pulling it continuously. The use of hair-relaxing products also contributes to this. This hair loss is permanent.

Tinea Capitis

Caused by a fungal infection of the scalp, this condition is usually due to ringworm. It causes hair to shed in patches, leaving the area with a reddish, scaly-like look. Oral medications can treat this. Hair loss from it is reversible after eliminating the fungus.

All these types have their own specific treatments if you know where to look. If you are suffering from hair loss and need help in treating or even just understanding it, don’t hesitate to contact us.