Types of Alopecia

Anagen Effluvium is temporary hair loss that affects the head, face and body. The most common cause is chemotherapy or radiation for the treatment of cancer.


Androgenetic Alopecia known as male/female pattern baldness is the thinning or total loss of hair on top of the head and is the most common type of hair loss affecting over 50 million American men and women. It is considered hereditary in men, but that conclusion has not been drawn for women. While often considered a sign of aging individuals have been affected in their early teens.  Hair transplants and medications have resolved the condition for many, but for some hair loss is permanent.

Alopecia Areata (AA) affects all ages, both male and female, and hair is lost in round patches. It is an autoimmune disease and it is believed that genetics make some more susceptible than others. Alopecia Totalis (AT) the total loss of hair on the head and Alopecia Universalis (AU) the complete loss of hair on the head, face and body are sub-categories of Alopecia Areata and are considered rare diseases. Universalis is the most severe form of the condition. Their exact cause is not fully known and hair loss can be cyclical, temporary and/or permanent.

The only FDA approved drugs for hair loss are Litfulo (Ritlecitinib) a pill recently approved in 2023 for severe Alopecia Areata in those 12 years and older, and Rogaine (Monixidil) and Propecia (Finasteride) which are typically used to treat Androgenetic Alopecia requiring long-term usage to maintain results.


Depending on the type and stage of alopecia a hair transplant may be a viable remedy.   


While some treatments such as steroids in the form of creams, gels, injections or pills and antibiotics have regrown or slowed down hair loss for some, the results have not been consistently successful. As of yet there is no cure for many types of alopecia.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is a form of lichen planus follicularis in which hair loss progresses slowly accompanied by scarring on the scalp near the forehead. In some instances there may be progressive loss to eyelashes, eyebrows and other hair on the body. Seldom seen in men it is considered a rare type of hair loss. The exact cause is unknown and hair loss is permanent.
Ophiasis Pattern Alopecia the loss of hair at the circumference of the head in a wave pattern. This is another sub-category of Alopecia Areata which mainly affects women. The cause is not fully understood and in most cases hair loss is permanent.

Telogen Effluvium is extensive thinning of the hair typically the body’s reaction to stress, abrupt changes in diet/weight, hormonal changes or medication. In almost all cases hair loss is temporary.


Traction Alopecia is hair loss that occurs over time from hair styling practices that cause damage and trauma to the hair follicles such as bleaching, braiding, weaves or tight ponytails. Scarring and permanent hair loss can be avoided if styling practices are changed.

Trichotillomania is a form of hair loss that occurs from the impulsive pulling of hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows and other areas of the body. The condition typically starts before or during the early teen years and affects both males and females. Treatment options include therapy and anti-depressant medication. For many the condition is lifelong and hair pulling can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
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