There are several types of hair loss. Baldness is also called alopecia. This means that hair is missing, usually in a place where hair used to grow. This may be a result of normal biological processes or evident diseases. In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia is a genetic form of hair loss and is common in both men and women. Men who suffer from this type of hair loss, also referred to as male pattern baldness, may experience the beginning of hair loss in their early twenties. This type of hair loss can be characterized as hair loss with a receding hairline and gradual loss of hair at the crown and front of the scalp (bald spots). Women with this condition, called female pattern baldness hair loss, often experience thinning hair only when they are 40 or older, but it can occur at an earlier age. Women suffer from thinning hair all over the scalp, mostly at the crown. This type of hair loss is often seen as something that can not be treated, but that is far from the truth. If you are on time, you can greatly limit the hair loss and even stimulate regrowth.
Telogen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that is temporary. It is caused by changes in the growth cycle of the hair. A large number of hais end up in a resting phase at the same time, causing a lot of hair to fall out. The hair becomes thinner, but bald spots do not really become visible. The hair loss can occur suddenly and be so severe that it becomes thinner in a short time, but it can also start slower and last longer.
Alopecia Areata (AA)
Alopecia Areata is a type of hair loss that is most likely caused by an autoimmune disease. Substances are formed in the body that attack its own body. In Alopecia Areata, this means that the hair root follicles are attacked and hairs fall out.
Alopecia Areata often begins with completely bald patches on the head that are round or oval in shape. These spots can spread over the rest of the body. Alopecia Areata comes in different degrees, it can be a small bald spot in the beard, but you can also suffer from several large bald spots on the head.
The three degrees of Alopecia Areata are:
Alopecia Areata: This is the "patchy baldness" that can occur anywhere on the body. The bald patches are often round or oval in shape. Specifically, it is often referred to as Alopecia Areata Monolocularis, just one bald spot, and Alopecia Areata Multilocaris when the baldness occurs in more spots.
Alopecia Totalis: In this form, one has lost all hair on the scalp.
Alopecia Universalis: Not only has one lost the hairs on scalp, but also the eyebrows, eyelashes and all other hairs on the entire body.
Stress is often identified as one of the causes of Alopecia Areata, but there is no scientific evidence for this. The role of heredity is still unclear, but research shows that in about 10 percent Alopecia Areata runs in the family.
Alopecia Areata recovers spontaneously in most people. Rates vary by source, but according to the Alopecia Association, in 70 to 80 percent of cases hair growth recovers within a few months to a year. The duration and degree of recovery can vary from person to person.
Involutional Alopecia and Senile Alopecia
Involutional Alopecia and Senile Alopecia can best be described as hair loss in old age. It is a natural condition in which the hair follicles remain in the resting phase (see our article on how hair grows). With age, less hair starts growing and it becomes thinner and shorter. The density of the hair on the scalp decreases.
Scarring Alopecia, also called cicatricial alopecia or scarred alopecia is not always visible on the basis of scars on the scalp. The scars are often located beneath the scalp, where hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue.
With Traction Alopecia, you will lose your hair gradually due to prolonged tension of the hair follicles. When you frequently wear your hair in a tight braid or pony tail, this can result in hair loss.
In men with a predisposition to baldness, the premature hair loss can start at an early age (around 15 or 16 years old).
Tinea Capitis is the name of the most common reason why children lose their hair: due to a fungal infection. This condition is very rare in adults. Depending on the severity of the infection, the child will suffer from dandruff, a red scalp or complete hair loss. In the case the infection is treated relatively early, all of the hair will grow back later.