Different Types of Alopecia: Causes, Patterns & Treatment

If you have observed hair thinning or bald patches on your scalp, you might be familiar with the term “alopecia”. Alopecia is a broader term for hair loss, which can be partial or complete, localized to a specific area of the body or affecting different parts (diffuse hair loss).

Alopecia occurs when the normal hair growth cycle is disrupted. There are different types of alopecia caused by various factors, including genetic, environmental and behavioral. It can affect people of all ages and genders.

In this blog post, you will explore the different types of alopecia, their causes, treatments, and methods to prevent alopecia.

What is Alopecia?

“Alopecia simply means hair loss.” 

It includes various types that can be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying cause. 

Almost 2% of the world population suffers from alopecia. A proper history and physical examination can identify the cause and type of alopecia, as treatment options vary depending on the specific cause.

Now, let’s explore the different types of alopecia and their main causes.

What Are The Major Causes Of Alopecia?

There are multiple causes of alopecia. Certain factors can promote excessive hair loss including:

• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Autoimmune diseases that cause the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles.
• Medical treatments that destroy hair follicles like chemotherapy.
• Excessive stress or any past trauma.
• Lack of certain nutrients from diet.
• Scalp infections or skin conditions.

Alopecia can be categorized into two major types:

1. Non-scaring Alopecia (can regrow): Hair follicles are not permanently damaged and can regrow after some time.
2. Scarring also called Cicatricial alopecia: In this type, hair follicles are permanently damaged and cannot regrow after treatment.

What Are The Main Types Of Alopecia?

Each alopecia type affects hair growth differently based on genetics, immunity, stress, or external damage. Common types of alopecia include:

Androgenic Alopecia – Pattern Hair Loss

This is the most common form of hair loss. Men often get a receding hairline or a bald spot on the crown while women notice overall thinning, especially around the part line. 

It runs in families and links to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which attacks the hair follicles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. have this type of hair loss.

Alopecia Areata – Patchy Hair Loss

Alopecia means hair loss and areata means “patches.” This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing small, round bald patches.

It is an autoimmune condition. According to a published study, it is the second most common cause of hair loss worldwide affecting both genders and even children. It usually starts before the age of 30, and people with a family history of alopecia areata are commonly affected. 

 Subtypes:

• Alopecia Totalis: It results in hair loss over the entire scalp.
• Alopecia Universalis: As its name suggests, it results in the loss of all body hair.
• Ophiasis: It causes balding around the sides and lower back of the scalp.

This type is non-scarring, which means hair follicles are not completely destroyed and hair can regrow with time.

Is Alopecia Areata Contagious?

No, it is not contagious as it is an autoimmune condition. It’s not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person. A person may notice a small bald patch on their hairline during a particularly stressful time. This is alopecia areata, and it is not contagious.

Telogen Effluvium

Excessive stress, past trauma and emotional well being can also affect hair follicles. This type occurs due to factors like postpartum changes, illness, surgery, crash diets, or even COVID. Your hair enters the “resting” phase too soon and falls out all at once. 

You may observe overall thinning or an increase in the number of hair strands on your brush. Studies show that it is one of the most common forms of alopecia.

Anagen Effluvium

This type is associated with harsh chemical treatments like chemotherapy, as radiation coming from these treatments affects the growing hair follicles and destroys them. 

You may lose your scalp hair or even eyebrows; however, once you recover, there are high chances that the hair will regrow after a few months. You can use wigs or scarves if you feel uncomfortable during this hard time.

Scarring Alopecia or Cicatricial Alopecia

This type is more serious than others, as hair follicles are permanently destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, your hair might not regrow. It can be caused by certain skin conditions, autoimmune diseases or in rare cases severe burns.

It has sub types, including:

• Frontal fibrosing alopecia (more common in postmenopausal women)
• Lichen planopilaris
• Discoid lupus

Other Types Of Alopecia In Females & Males

Not all types of hair loss fit in a box. Here are some less-discussed types:

1. Traction Alopecia: It is caused due to force applied by tight hairstyles like buns or ponytails. Common in women who use weaves or extensions. It is reversible if caught early.
2. Trichotillomania: A hair-pulling disorder often linked to anxiety or OCD. Therapy helps more than medication.
3. Tinea Capitis: A fungal infection of the scalp. Common in kids and treatable with antifungal medications.
4. Loose Anagen Syndrome: Hair falls out easily because it isn’t anchored well. This condition is seen in young children (usually girls).
5. Hypotrichosis: A rare genetic condition where individuals are born with little to no hair.

How Do You Tell What Type Of Alopecia You Have?

Symptoms of various types of alopecia differ. Though all show signs of hair loss, some show thin hair, shedding, or receding hairlines. The cause varies, and some types have a reversible impact while others permanently damage hair follicles.

You can note your symptoms, and consult your dermatologist, who will identify your type of hair loss and recommend treatment accordingly.

Here is a summarized version of the different types of alopecia with their key symptoms and common areas affected:

Alopecia Type	Key Symptom	Common Areas	Reversibility
Androgenetic	Gradual thinning	Crown, temples	No (usually)
Areata	Patchy bald spots	Scalp, brows	Yes (depends upon treatment)
Telogen Effluvium	Sudden shedding	Full scalp	Often
Traction	Receding hairline	Hair edges	Yes (early stage)
Anagen Effluvium	Sudden complete loss	Scalp, brows, body	Yes
Scarring	Permanent hair loss	Scalp (localized)	No

What Is The Difference Between Male And Female Alopecia?

Alopecia affects men and women in different ways, as shown in the table below.

Feature	Male Alopecia	Female Alopecia
Common Patterns	Starts with a receding hairline or thinning hair at the crown.	Usually presents as overall thinning of hair across the scalp.
Most Common Type	Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).	Androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness).
Outcome	Can often lead to significant baldness.	Rarely results in complete baldness; scalp is usually visible through the hair.
Affected Areas	Primarily affects the top and front of the scalp.	Affects the entire scalp, maintaining the hairline.

Who Gets Alopecia?

Some people are more likely to develop alopecia than others due to various risk factors:

• Family History plays a major role specially in autoimmune disorders.
• Age – A variable risk factor depending upon cause, more common in adults but children can also suffer from it.
• Autoimmune Diseases – Some autoimmune diseases, like thyroid disease or vitiligo, are associated with alopecia.
• High Stress Levels – Excessive stress is a major risk factor in baldness.
• Diet that lack nutrients like iron, zinc, or vitamin D.
• Tight Hairstyles – This affects the hair follicles and may lead to  traction alopecia.
• Hormonal Imbalance – Including pregnancy, menopause, or birth control.
• Certain Medications – Such as chemotherapy, antidepressants, and more.

If you are going through any of these conditions, understanding your risk can increase your chances of early diagnosis and treatment.

How Do They Diagnose Alopecia?

When you consult a healthcare provider, they will first ask for your history, since when did you start getting symptoms or if there is any one in your family who is suffering from alopecia.

After listening to your complaints and taking your proper history, they can diagnose the type of alopecia by running the following tests:

• Physical Examination of the area of hair loss and your nails.
• Trichoscopy: A close examination of your scalp to observe hair follicles.
• Blood Tests: To check hormonal imbalance or If there is any other disease related to it.
• Biopsy: Scalp biopsy to examine cells of scalp closely and find the cause of alopecia.

What Is The Treatment Of Choice For Alopecia?

Treatment for different types of baldness depends on the cause. Some of them are treated with oral medications. Here are some common treatment options used by the doctors:

Treatment	How It Works	Works Best For
Minoxidil	Topical medication applied to the scalp to promote hair growth.	Pattern baldness, telogen effluvium
Finasteride	Oral medication acts on hormones	Male pattern baldness
PRP Therapy (Platelete rich plasma therapy)	Injected in scalp to induce growth of hair follicles	Alopecia areata, pattern hair loss
Corticosteroids	Topical, oral and injectable application to reduce the response of immune system	Alopecia areata
Antifungals	Medications used in alopecia caused by fungus	Tinea capitis
Lifestyle Changes	Reducing stress causing factors and taking vitamins rich diet	Excessive stress or diet which lacks important nutrients

Before starting any medication on your own, consult your dermatologist to decide the best treatment plan for you.

How Long Does Hair Regrowth Take?

Hair regrowth varies with alopecia type, sometimes may regrow in a few months, while others may take longer. The regrowth timeline depends on the cause of alopecia:

• Alopecia Areata: Hair may take 3 to 6 months to regrow.
• Telogen Effluvium: Once the stress level is reduced, hair takes 6 to 9 months to regrow.
• Androgenetic Alopecia: Needs treatment like minoxidil; results may take a few months.
• Traction Alopecia: If the tight hair styles are stopped, hair regrows after 3 to 6 months.
• Scarring Alopecia: Hair doesn’t grow back if the follicle is damaged.
• Anagen Effluvium: After chemotherapy and radiation, hair may regrow in 1 to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Alopecia is a common problem that affects both males and females, irrespective of their age. Many different types of alopecia can be treated with proper diagnosis, physical examinations, advanced treatment options and oral medications.

It is better to consult a dermatologist as soon as you observe any change in your hair pattern. The earlier the main cause is detected, the better the chances of treatment. 

What can be mistaken for alopecia?

Certain fungal infections and psychological conditions can also lead to hair loss, early diagnosis is important to detect the type of alopecia.

What autoimmune disease is linked to alopecia?

Alopecia can result from autoimmune diseases like thyroid disorder, anemia or even certain skin disorders.

What vitamin deficiency causes alopecia and dermatitis?

Deficiency in important nutrients like Vitamin B6 and zinc can cause alopecia and even dermatitis.

Is alopecia caused by stress?

Telogen Effluvium is a type of alopecia that is caused by stress; hair growth may reverse once the stress is reduced.

What is the life expectancy of someone with alopecia?

Alopecia is not lethal, it does not reduce your expectancy of life, it only affects the hair follicles.

What is end stage alopecia?

End-stage alopecia refers to the advanced stage of certain types of alopecia, like scarring alopecia, where the hair follicle is completely damaged and cannot regenerate.

What not to do with alopecia?

Do not ignore the early signs of alopecia, and avoid self-medication. Minimize excessive stress and do not tie hair in tight styles.

Do people with alopecia have pubic hair?

Mostly yes; alopecia primarily affects scalp hair, but in certain types like alopecia universalis, pubic hair may also fall out.

What is female alopecia called?

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or androgenetic alopecia refers to the thinning of hair on the top and crown of the scalp in females.