The Complete Guide to Different Types of Hair Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hair loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and while some types of hair loss are temporary and reversible, others may be permanent. Understanding the different types of hair loss can help you determine the best course of treatment.

Androgenetic alopecia or male and female pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by genetics and can begin as early as the teenage years. Hair gradually thins and falls out from the top of the head and the temples in men, and from the crown in women.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body and occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss that occurs due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Hair falls out in large amounts, but it usually grows back within a few months.

Scarring alopecia is a rare form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles are permanently destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. This can be caused by burns, infections, or autoimmune disorders.

Depending on the cause of your hair loss, your doctor may recommend medications, hair transplants, or lifestyle changes to promote healthy hair growth.