What Types of Alopecia Exist?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it may be temporary or permanent. Understanding the different types of alopecia can help you recognize patterns of hair loss and seek the right care. Below is an overview of the main categories and subtypes, presented in clear sections with bullet points for easy reference.

1. Non-Scarring (Reversible) Alopecia

Non-scarring alopecia does not permanently destroy hair follicles, so regrowth is possible when the underlying cause is treated.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Sometimes called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss.

• Cause: Genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Pattern:
  • Men: Receding hairline and thinning at the crown
  • Women: Widening part and diffuse thinning on top of the scalp
• Course: Gradual, often starts in late teens to early 20s in men and around menopause in women
• Management: Topical minoxidil, oral finasteride (men), hormonal therapies (women), low-level laser therapy

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own hair follicles.

• Presentation: Sudden, round patches of hair loss on the scalp; can affect eyebrows, eyelashes, beard
• Variants:
  • Alopecia Areata Totalis: Complete scalp baldness
  • Alopecia Areata Universalis: Complete body hair loss
• Course: Unpredictable—some regrow hair spontaneously, others experience cycles of loss and regrowth
• Treatments: Corticosteroid injections, topical sensitizers, immunotherapy, JAK inhibitors (emerging)
• Self-check option: If you notice patchy hair loss, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for Alopecia Areata.

Telogen Effluvium

A temporary shedding of hair when many follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase at once.

• Triggers: Severe illness, surgery, high fever, drastic weight loss, or emotional stress
• Onset: 2–3 months after the triggering event
• Recovery: Usually self-limited within 6–9 months once the trigger is removed or treated

Anagen Effluvium

Rapid hair loss in the growth (anagen) phase, most often due to chemotherapy, radiation, or toxic exposures.

• Characteristics: Diffuse, often very sudden shedding
• Outlook: Hair often regrows after stopping the triggering treatment

Traction Alopecia

Hair loss caused by chronic tension on the hair shafts.

• Common Causes: Tight ponytails, braids, extensions, or cornrows
• Early Signs: Receding hairline, small bumps (folliculitis) at the sites of tension
• Prevention & Treatment: Looser hairstyles, topical anti-inflammatories, occasional steroid injections

Other Non-Scarring Types

• Trichotillomania: Hair-pulling disorder linked to stress or psychiatric conditions
• Tinea Capitis: Fungal scalp infection seen in children; presents with scaly patches and broken hairs
• Alopecia Mucinosa: Rare, inflammatory, with waxy papules and follicular blockage

2. Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia

In scarring alopecias, inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. Hair loss is permanent, so early diagnosis is key.

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)

An inflammatory condition related to lichen planus.

• Symptoms: Red or purple bumps, itching, burning
• Pattern: Patchy hair loss with shiny white scars
• Management: Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants (e.g., hydroxychloroquine), anti-inflammatories

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)

A subtype of LPP, mainly in post-menopausal women.

• Presentation: Receding frontal hairline, eyebrow loss
• Course: Slowly progressive; may stabilize with treatment

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) of the Scalp

A form of cutaneous lupus causing scarring plaques.

• Features: Red, inflamed patches with scale and pigment changes
• Risk: Can extend beyond the scalp if not managed

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

Most common in women of African descent.

• Location: Begins at the crown and spreads outward
• Causes: Possible genetic predisposition and heat/chemical damage
• Treatment: Anti-inflammatories, avoiding harsh hair care practices

3. Less Common and Congenital Forms

• Atrichia with Papular Lesions: Rare genetic disorder causing total hair loss soon after birth
• Hypotrichosis: Diffuse thinning due to genetic mutations that affect follicle development

4. When to Seek Medical Advice

Most types of alopecia are not life-threatening, but timely evaluation by a healthcare professional can:

• Confirm the diagnosis
• Identify any underlying systemic issues (e.g., thyroid disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions)
• Offer appropriate treatments before permanent damage occurs

Immediate medical attention is warranted if you experience:

• Rapid or patchy hair loss accompanied by pain, swelling, redness, fever, or pus (possible infection)
• Sudden hair loss plus other systemic symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, jaundice or abnormal bleeding (could signal a serious condition)

5. Final Thoughts

Hair loss can be distressing, but many forms of alopecia are treatable or manageable, especially when caught early. If you suspect alopecia—whether it’s a few patches or more extensive thinning—talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. They can guide you through diagnostic tests (blood work, scalp biopsy) and tailor a treatment plan. Addressing hair loss proactively gives you the best chance for regrowth and maintaining healthy hair in the long term.

Speak to a doctor about any new, unexplained hair loss or associated symptoms that concern you.