Types of Hair Loss
Types of Hair Loss Treated at Precision Hair Restoration
At Precision Hair Restoration, we understand that hair loss manifests in various forms, each with unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Identifying the specific type of hair loss you are experiencing is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Below, we explore the most common types of hair loss we treat at our center.
Common Types of Hair Loss
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects approximately 50 million men in the United States alone. This genetic condition is characterized by a predictable pattern of recession at the temples and thinning at the crown. MPHL is triggered by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects approximately 50 million men in the United States alone. This genetic condition is characterized by a predictable pattern of recession at the temples and thinning at the crown. MPHL is triggered by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone that causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.
Key characteristics include:
- Gradual recession of the hairline, typically beginning at the temples
- Development of an “M” shaped hairline
- Progressive thinning at the crown (vertex)
- Can begin as early as the late teens or early twenties
- Follows the Norwood Scale of progression
Early intervention is essential as treatments are most effective when started before significant hair loss occurs
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) affects millions of women and, contrary to popular belief, is quite common. Unlike men, women typically experience diffuse thinning across the top and crown of the scalp rather than complete baldness in specific areas.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) affects millions of women and, contrary to popular belief, is quite common. Unlike men, women typically experience diffuse thinning across the top and crown of the scalp rather than complete baldness in specific areas.
Key characteristics include:
- Gradual widening of the part line
- Diffuse thinning, predominantly on the top and crown of the scalp
- Preservation of the frontal hairline in most cases
- May be triggered by hormonal changes, particularly during menopause
- Follows the Ludwig Scale of progression
While FPHL can be emotionally distressing, various treatment options can effectively slow progression and stimulate regrowth when addressed early.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in sudden hair loss. This condition can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in sudden hair loss. This condition can affect anyone regardless of age or gender.
Key characteristics include:
- Sudden appearance of smooth, round bald patches
- Can affect any hair-bearing area, though most commonly the scalp
- Potential for spontaneous regrowth, though recurrence is common
- May progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis) in severe cases
- Often associated with other autoimmune conditions
Treatment approaches focus on modulating the immune response and stimulating hair follicles to resume normal function.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding due to a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle. It typically occurs after a triggering event pushes an abnormally high number of hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase.
Telogen Effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding due to a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle. It typically occurs after a triggering event pushes an abnormally high number of hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase.
Common triggers include:
- Physical trauma or surgery
- Severe emotional stress
- Significant weight loss
- Childbirth
- Certain medications
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Severe illness or infection
Patients typically notice increased shedding 2-3 months after the triggering event. With proper identification and management of the underlying cause, hair often regrows completely within 6-12 months.
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia results from prolonged tension on hair follicles, typically caused by certain hairstyles or hair practices. Unlike genetic forms of hair loss, this type is largely preventable.
Traction Alopecia results from prolonged tension on hair follicles, typically caused by certain hairstyles or hair practices. Unlike genetic forms of hair loss, this type is largely preventable.
Common causes include:
- Tight ponytails, buns, or braids
- Hair extensions or weaves
- Frequent use of hair rollers
- Tight headwear worn for extended periods
Early signs include hair breakage, thinning along the hairline, and scalp tenderness. If the tension is relieved early, hair loss may be reversible. However, prolonged traction can lead to permanent damage to hair follicles and scarring.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring Alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, represents a group of disorders characterized by the destruction of hair follicles leading to permanent hair loss. This destruction is accompanied by the replacement of follicles with scar tissue.
Scarring Alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, represents a group of disorders characterized by the destruction of hair follicles leading to permanent hair loss. This destruction is accompanied by the replacement of follicles with scar tissue.
Various conditions can cause scarring alopecia, including:
- Lichen planopilaris
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Folliculitis decalvans
- Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent progression, as hair loss from scarring alopecia is permanent in affected areas.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair. This psychological condition can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body hair.
Trichotillomania is characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair. This psychological condition can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body hair.
Key characteristics include:
- Patchy hair loss with irregular borders
- Broken hairs of varying lengths
- Associated feelings of tension before pulling and relief afterward
- May be triggered or worsened by stress, anxiety, or depression
Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy and sometimes medication to address the underlying psychological factors.
Begin Your Hair Restoration Journey
Do not let hair loss affect your confidence and quality of life. Schedule a confidential consultation with our hair loss specialists to discover your treatment options and take the first step toward restoring not just your hair, but your self-assurance.
Early intervention typically yields the best results, so we encourage you to reach out at the first signs of thinning or loss. Contact Precision Hair Restoration today to learn how we can help you achieve a fuller, natural-looking head of hair.
