Common Types of Alopecia: What You Need to Know About Hair Loss Disorders

Hair loss can be distressing, especially when it happens suddenly or in unexpected patterns. While shedding a certain amount of hair daily is normal, alopecia refers to hair loss that goes beyond the usual and often involves an underlying condition. Understanding the different types of alopecia is the first step toward identifying the cause and finding a treatment that works.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is a broad term that refers to hair loss from the scalp or body. It can be temporary or permanent, and it may result from genetics, autoimmune disorders, environmental stressors, or medical treatments. Although anyone can be affected, the pattern, severity, and cause vary by type.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Also called male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, this is the most common form of alopecia. It is genetically driven and results from sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles.

Signs:

• Gradual thinning at the crown or receding hairline in men
• Widening part or diffuse thinning in women

Treatment:

• Topical minoxidil, oral medications, microneedling, or in some cases, hair transplant surgery

Alopecia Areata

This autoimmune condition causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. It can affect the scalp, eyebrows, lashes, or body hair.

Signs:

• Sudden round or oval bald spots
• Smooth skin where hair once grew

Treatment:

• Corticosteroid injections, immunotherapy, or topical medications to stimulate regrowth

Telogen Effluvium

This temporary form of hair loss occurs when a physical or emotional stressor pushes a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase (telogen), causing shedding several months later.

Common Triggers:

• Surgery, childbirth, illness, crash dieting, or medications

Signs:

• Widespread thinning rather than patchy baldness
• Shedding often noticed while brushing or washing hair

Treatment:

• Addressing the root cause and allowing time for recovery

Traction Alopecia

This preventable form of hair loss results from chronic tension on the scalp, typically due to tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions.

Signs:

• Thinning or breakage around the hairline and temples
• Scalp tenderness or inflammation

Treatment:

• Eliminating the cause of tension and promoting scalp healing

Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)

This rare but serious type causes permanent hair loss due to inflammation that destroys the hair follicle and replaces it with scar tissue.

Signs:

• Scalp redness, scaling, burning, or pain
• Hair loss that doesn't regrow

Treatment:

• Early intervention with anti-inflammatory medications is key to stopping progression

Anagen Effluvium

This rapid hair loss typically occurs during medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. It disrupts the active growth phase (anagen) of the hair cycle.

Signs:

• Sudden, widespread hair shedding
• Can include eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair

Treatment:

• Hair usually regrows once treatment ends, but topical therapies may support the process

When to See a Specialist

If you're experiencing unusual hair loss, early evaluation by a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist can make a difference. Some forms of alopecia respond well to treatment if caught early. A proper diagnosis based on history, scalp exams, and in some cases, lab testing or biopsy, is critical for choosing the right approach.