The types of hair loss, explained simply
“Hair loss” is not one condition. Knowing which type you are dealing with tells you whether regrowth is likely, what can help, and how urgent a doctor's visit is.
Written by the HEADS Hair Knowledge Team · Last updated · Educational content, not medical advice
Diffuse, temporary: telogen effluvium
Even shedding all over the head, triggered by stress, illness, birth, or deficiency. The follicles are healthy — they have simply synchronised into the resting phase. Prognosis: very good; hair usually returns once the trigger resolves.
Patterned, progressive: androgenetic alopecia
The genetic form. Follicles miniaturise over years — hair becomes finer before it disappears. It does not reverse on its own, but it is manageable, and cosmetic solutions are excellent today. Details: women · men.
Patchy, autoimmune: alopecia areata
The immune system mistakenly attacks follicles, causing round bald patches — sometimes progressing to total scalp (totalis) or body (universalis) hair loss. Course is unpredictable; regrowth can happen spontaneously. This deserves its own space: alopecia.ph — our support platform.
Mechanical: traction alopecia
Caused by chronic pulling — tight buns, braids, heavy or badly fitted hairpieces. Early on it is reversible; after years the follicles scar. Prevention is everything.
Permanent: scarring (cicatricial) alopecia
A group of rarer conditions where inflammation destroys the follicle and skin scars over. Early dermatological treatment can stop progression — but lost areas do not regrow. Cosmetic coverage becomes the main answer, and modern toppers and wigs do this invisibly.
How a dermatologist tells them apart
- History: onset, triggers, family pattern, medication.
- Pull test & trichoscopy: a magnified look at follicles and hair shafts.
- Blood work: ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D, hormones.
- Rarely, a small biopsy when scarring alopecia is suspected.