Any type of hair thinning or baldness due to which hair fall occurs is known as hair loss. Most of the times, it is due to stress and unhealthy diet that hair fall occurs. However, it can also be genetic or hormonal. Let us have a look at the types of hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss
1. Androgenetic Hair Loss
This is the hereditary hair loss in which the hormones are sensitive to DHT. The sensitivity makes the follicles to stop producing new hair. It starts receding from the hairline generally.
2. Involutional Alopecia
With the passage of time, as the person ages, the follicles start to get into resting state which causes gradual hair thinning which leads to hair breaking. After androgenetic hair loss, this is the most common type of hair loss.
3. Telogen Effluvium
It occurs when hair follicles are made to get into resting phase prematurely. It is generally caused due to trauma, heavy medication, intense stress etc.
4. Anagen Effluvium
When the hair starts falling suddenly in the growing stage, it is termed as anagen effluvium. It is generally due to certain medical conditions and can be regained in 1-3 months but can be permanent as well.
5. Alopecia Areata
This is a type of hair loss in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles by mistake and causes hair fall. It can be visible in the form of bald patches on the scalp or can occur all at once anywhere on the body.
This can be a genetic problem as in this case, hair never grows from birth and therefore, cannot be treated as well.
7. Scalp Folliculitis
It is a type of bacterial infection which causes inflammation around the hair follicles. The infected area looks like it has acne. Since this infection makes the follicles weak, it has the ability to make the follicles die permanently.
8. Cicatricial Alopecia
Also known as scarring alopecia, this is a disorder which destroys the hair follicles and causes scars in their place. It starts as patches and spreads with time.
9. Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs when hair follicles are damaged die to tightly tying into ponytail/buns/braids for a long duration or excessive and constant tension. It is generally visible near the hairline or the temples in the beginning.
10. Trichorrhexis Nodosa
Thyroid problems, iron deficiency, lack of ammonia, harsh hair styling etc. make the hair follicles weak, thus, causing hair loss. Overuse of chemicals on hair is also one of the reasons for the same.
It is a disorder in which the person deliberately pulls out his/her hair which leads to patchy bald spots on the scalp and eyebrows.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair fall can be caused due to various reasons like infections, drugs, trauma, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance and, of course, it can be genetic or hereditary. The male pattern hair loss is said to be caused genetically and male hormone dihydrotestosterone whereas, there is no clear reason for female pattern baldness. Another cause of hair loss can be the effect of medications. Medications like that of blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, birth control, cancer, post-partum period etc. might lead to permanent hair loss.