Tens of millions of Americans are affected by hair loss. One type of hair loss, androgenic alopecia, affects an estimated 80 million individuals in the U.S. alone.
While it’s typical to lose some hair every day (losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal), excessive hair loss may be cause for concern. Depending on the underlying cause, it may be permanent or temporary.
If you are starting to notice hair loss, it’s important to understand the exact type and cause. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the different types of hair loss.
These include the aforementioned androgenic alopecia, as well as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and traction alopecia. Let’s get started.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia is the most prevalent type of hair loss. It is usually hereditary and affects both men and women. In the case of men, it often presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, it manifests as diffuse hair thinning.
Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects hair follicles’ growth cycle.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata affects almost 7 million individuals in the U.S. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
This condition can occur at any age and usually starts with small, round patches of hair loss on the scalp. In some cases, it can progress to complete baldness, a condition known as alopecia totalis, or the loss of all body hair, known as alopecia universalis.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle. It can be triggered by various factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, major surgery, severe illness, or emotional stress.
Typically, telogen effluvium leads to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting phase (telogen) and shedding.
The good news here is that once the underlying cause is addressed, the hair usually regrows within a few months.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by repeated tension or pulling on the hair follicles. As such, it commonly occurs in individuals who frequently wear tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or hair extensions.
Over time, the constant traction can damage the hair follicles, leading to thinning and eventually permanent hair loss if the pulling is not stopped.
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The Different Types of Hair Loss
Understandably, losing hair can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and overall well-being. Understanding the different types of hair loss can help individuals recognize the signs, seek appropriate medical advice, and explore available hair loss treatment options.
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