The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Hair loss is commonly considered a men’s health topic (nearly 2/3 of all men can expect some hair loss by age 60), but women make up 40% of all hair loss sufferers. The most common type of hair loss is called androgenic alopecia, which is an inherited tendency to stop producing new hairs. 

How Hair Grows

To understand the different types of hair loss, it is helpful to understand how hair grows. The growth cycle of hair is divided into three phases: 

1. Anagen Phase – At this stage, hair grows rapidly, and it typically lasts 2-7 years. 
2. Catagen Phase – The hair follicle at this stage shrinks and detaches, and it typically lasts 10 days. 
3. Telogen Phase – At this phase, the hair is resting while a new hair is forming. Typically lasting three months, the existing hair sheds, and the new hair takes its place. 

Different Types of Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia 

The most common type of hair loss is called androgenic alopecia, which is also known as patterned alopecia. This is caused by a genetic predisposition for the hair to become thin and recede. Although androgenic alopecia occurs in both men and women, the pattern of hair loss is quite different. Male hairlines tend to recede, resulting in male pattern baldness. For women, the hair becomes thinner at the top and vertex of the scalp, and the part becomes widened. The frontal hairline is usually spared and progression to complete baldness is rare.

Telogen Effluvium

This form of hair loss is characterized by a disproportionate number of hairs entering the telogen (resting) phase, without new hairs forming to replace them. Once these hairs shed, it can leave the scalp with significantly less hair. This type of hair loss often occurs after a time of extreme stress, such as a big medical procedure or childbirth. This type of hair loss is not typically permanent.

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium occurs when hair follicle production is stopped abruptly, typically by chemotherapy. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss caused by the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicle. Often, this presents as small circular areas of hair loss on the scalp or beard area. In the majority of cases, hair loss is localized to small areas. Rarely, hair loss can be more extensive, leading to complete baldness. 

Tinea Capitis

This fungal infection is likened to ringworm, as it often leaves a circular pattern of baldness. This occurs more often in children. The scalp may be red and scaly, but the condition is treatable with antifungal medications. 

Cicatricial Alopecia

This rare type of hair loss involves hair follicles being destroyed by inflammation and replaced by scar tissue. 

Hair Shaft Abnormalities

These forms of hair loss affect the shaft of the hairs, rather than the follicles. Hair production may be normal, but the hairs are breaking, causing the volume to thin. These can often be treated by changing hair routines, but in some cases requires medication. 

Hair Loss Treatment: How to Stop Hair Loss

Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is one of the most common hair loss treatments for androgenic alopecia and is available over the counter in formulations for both men and women. Minoxidil can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss, but it cannot cure baldness, and it may take up to six months to see any results. Prescription-strength Propecia is another treatment used for cases of male pattern baldness. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections and hair transplants may also be used as a response to hair loss. 

Skin Cancer & Dermatology Institute has Greater Reno-Tahoe area locations to assist with hair loss treatment.

You can also book an appointment to discuss hair loss treatment with a Skin Cancer & Dermatology Institute provider today.