Understanding the Different Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a deeply personal and often distressing experience. Whether it's thinning at the crown, receding at the hairline, or a noticeable loss of fullness overall, understanding the underlying causes of hair loss is essential for finding the right treatment. In my practice, I see various types of hair loss, and each one requires a different approach. In this article, I'll walk you through the different types of hair loss I encounter and how they can be addressed effectively.

Androgenetic Alopecia: The Most Common Form of Hair Loss

One of the most common types of hair loss that I see is androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is typically hereditary and is driven by hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinner hair and eventually, hair loss.

Androgenetic alopecia typically affects men and women differently. In men, it often leads to a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, it tends to manifest as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp. This type of hair loss is progressive and can worsen over time, but with early intervention, we can often slow or stop the progression.

Treatments such as PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma), or using minoxidil, and finasteride can be effective in managing androgenetic alopecia. For more advanced cases, hair transplants may be recommended, but even after a transplant, maintenance treatments like PRP are crucial to keep the surrounding hair healthy and prevent further thinning.

Telogen Effluvium: Shedding Due to Stress or Illness

Telogen effluvium is another form of hair loss I see frequently in my practice. This type of hair loss is often temporary and occurs when the hair growth cycle is disrupted, typically due to stress, illness, or significant life changes. In this case, hair follicles enter the shedding phase prematurely, causing noticeable hair loss.

Common triggers for telogen effluvium include a major illness (like the flu or COVID-19), hormonal imbalances, surgery, rapid weight loss, or significant emotional stress. Even a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one or a major lifestyle change can cause this type of shedding. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is usually reversible once the underlying cause is addressed. Once stress levels stabilize, or hormonal imbalances are treated and the body recovers from illness, hair growth often resumes, and the shedding slows down.

For patients with telogen effluvium, I typically focus on addressing the root cause, such as managing stress or improving nutrition. Supplements like iron, vitamin D, and zinc can help promote hair regrowth. In some cases, PRP therapy can accelerate recovery by stimulating the hair follicles and encouraging regrowth.

Traction Alopecia: Hair Loss from Tension

Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by continuous tension or pulling on the hair. This is commonly seen in people who regularly wear tight hairstyles, such as braids, ponytails, or buns. Over time, the repeated pulling weakens the hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and, in severe cases, permanent hair loss.

This type of hair loss is often seen around the hairline or at the temples, where the tension is usually greatest. Fortunately, traction alopecia can often be reversed if the tension is relieved early on. I advise patients who suffer from this condition to give their hair a break from tight hairstyles and opt for looser, more protective styles.

For patients with traction alopecia, I may recommend PRP therapy to help stimulate the follicles and encourage regrowth. However, if the hair loss has led to scarring, the damage may be permanent, and more advanced treatments, like hair transplants, might be necessary.

Scarring Alopecia: Permanent Hair Loss Due to Inflammation

Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a more severe and permanent form of hair loss caused by inflammation that damages the hair follicles. This inflammation can be triggered by a variety of factors, including autoimmune diseases, or trauma to the scalp.

In scarring alopecia, the inflamed follicles are replaced with scar tissue, making regrowth almost impossible. Common conditions that lead to scarring alopecia include lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus. Unlike other types of hair loss, scarring alopecia doesn't allow for follicular regeneration, so once the follicles are destroyed, they cannot produce hair again.

Treatment for scarring alopecia focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing further damage to the follicles. This may include the use of topical steroids, oral medications, or immune system modulators. In some cases, PRP therapy may help to some degree by stimulating healthy follicles and improving scalp circulation, but it is not effective in cases where significant scarring has already occurred.

Alopecia Areata: Sudden, Patchy Hair Loss

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss. This condition can affect both men and women, and the hair loss can occur in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.

In some cases, alopecia areata progresses to a more severe form known as alopecia totalis, where all the hair on the scalp is lost, or alopecia universalis, where hair loss extends to the entire body. While the exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, it is believed to be triggered by genetic factors and environmental stressors.

Treatment for alopecia areata often includes steroid injections into the affected areas, topical immunotherapy, and oral steroids to suppress the immune response. PRP therapy can also be beneficial in stimulating hair growth, but results vary depending on the severity of the condition. Early intervention is crucial for the best chance of regrowth.

Get Help With Hair Loss in New York City

Understanding the different types of hair loss is the first step toward finding the right treatment. Whether you're dealing with androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, scarring alopecia, or alopecia areata, it's essential to have a tailored treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your hair loss. Early intervention, whether through PRP therapy, supplements, or more advanced procedures like hair transplants, can make a significant difference in preserving and restoring your hair. If you're experiencing hair loss, I always recommend scheduling a consultation at our New York City dermatologist office so we can evaluate your situation and develop a personalized plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Book an appointment with us here at Binder Dermatology today.