There are two types of hair loss. Hair loss can be temporary, or permanent. Each is a specific medical condition, with specific diagnosis and treatments. We discuss each of the common types of hair loss below. First we have a look at temporary hair loss, then permanent hair loss.
Temporary Hair LossAlopecia Areata: With this condition, the hair loss occurs in round, small and smooth patches which are the size of a quarter coin. The disease is characterized by several bare patches on the scalp, and generally does not extend further. However, in some cases patchy hair loss can occur on the eyelashes and eyebrows. In the rarest cases, hair loss can occur on other parts of the body. |
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Traction Alopecia: The wearing of certain types of hairstyles, such as cornrows, braids or pigtails, or using tight rollers, can cause bald patches to appear. The hair loss will occur at the place where the hair is tightly pulled.
Telogen Effluvium: After a major illness, or a traumatic and stressful life event, hair loss can occur. A whole handful of hair may come off after brushing or gentle tugging. This type of hair loss is generally characterized by thinning hair, and not bald patches.
Anagen Effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs when cancer fighting drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs, affect actively growing hairs in the anagen state. The hair loss can start very soon after beginning chemotherapy treatment, and can be quite extensive. Several weeks after the chemotherapy has been completed, the hair growth cycle reestablishes itself, and hair begins to grow. however, the hair growth may not be as thick as previously.
Permanent Hair Loss
Male Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia: Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the teen years or the early 20s. Its main characteristic is a receding hairline, and a bald circular patch at the top of the head. In its final stages, it causes either complete or partial baldness.
Female Pattern Baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia: For women with hair loss, the thinning generally occurs at the sides, front or crown of the head. Women rarely experience complete baldness, and maintain the front hairline.
Scarring Alopecia or Cicatricial Alopecia: This condition is very rare. It occurs due to damage caused by inflammation which causes scarring on the hair follicles, damaging them and causing permanent hair loss. There may be pain or itching in the area of the patchy hair loss.