There are many different forms of Alopecia. The different varieties differ in causes, reversibility, patterns and body parts.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of Alopecia;
Androgenic Alopecia –
- This condition is also known as female/male pattern Hair Loss.
- This is the most common form of Alopecia.
- The main causes are genetics, hormones, and age.
- Usually causing gradual thinning and/or receding around the hairline.
- We can mostly treat this with various treatment plans depending on the severity.
Alopecia Areata –
- Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where your red blood cells attack your hair follicles.
- Hair loss tends to form in smooth, patchy, and circular spots.
- These patches can appear over the scalp and eyebrows. It can also appear in beards (Alopecia Barbae).
- The most common causes of this Alopecia are extreme stress, genetics/family history and autoimmune conditions.
- Tingling, burning or itchiness can sometimes occur before the hair starts to fall.
Alopecia Totalis/Universalis –
- Alopecia Totalis is complete hair loss where the hair falls from all over the scalp and face.
- Alopecia Universalis is complete loss from all over the scalp and body.
- This can be progression from Alopecia Areata.
- Also triggered by the immune system.
- There is no cure for these types of Alopecia, however various treatments can try to boost and stimulate new growth.
Traction Alopecia –
- This is a form of often reversible hair loss. However, it can cause permanent damage if the issue is not fixed or has been ongoing for a long time.
- Usually caused by tight hair styles, braids, ponytails and extension use.
- It is mainly found around the hair line. The hair as it is being pulled either by tight hair styles or heavy extensions will start to thin and weaken causing shock loss at the follicle.
- Always avoid extremely tight hair styles for long periods of time.
Scarring Alopecia –
- This can come in many forms and is a permanent type of hair loss.
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Lichen Planopilaris are caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles so extreme that it causes the follicles to scar and unable to regrow hair lost. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is typically around the hairline and starts to recede back.
- Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) usually starts around the crown area and works its way back causing scarring and damage to the hair follicles. This is primarily found in Black women between 30-60 years of age.
There are treatments available to help control at the rate the hair falls. We cannot regrow, but we can help to stabilise hair loss.
You can see more on Alopecia and how HLC can help here – https://hairlosstreatmentclinics.co.uk/treatments/alopecia-treatments/
