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The types of alopecia (hair loss) are diverse, each stemming from different reasons. Understanding what kind of alopecia you have, its causes and its symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment. Let’s take a close look at each type, from the most common to the less known. Don’t worry; we will also give you all the information on effective treatments for different types of alopecia! Buckle up and be ready to be informed!
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common types of alopecia among men. According to a study, it affects 30-50% of men by age fifty. Male pattern baldness is characterized by a receding hairline around temples in an M shape. Hair also starts thinning at the crown area (top of the head); over time, these areas can expand and leave a band of hair around the sides and back of the head.
Most men observe this type of alopecia in their late 20s to early 30s. This is the initial phase of symptoms, during which men can see a receding hairline. Significant hair loss may become noticeable in men in their 40s. This type of alopecia can also affect women, causing female pattern hair loss. In women, it is typically characterized by thinning of the hairline and top of the head. Many women experience this type of hair loss in their 30s and 40s and after menopause.
So, what is the reason for androgenetic alopecia? The primary cause of androgenetic alopecia is genetic predisposition. If your close family members have experienced hair loss, it’s very likely that you will experience it, too. Hormonal fluctuations are another reason for this type of alopecia. DHT hormone, which is an androgen hormone derived from testosterone, plays an important role in this.
This hormone helps the development of male characteristics during puberty, such as hair growth and voice deepening. However, if you are genetically predisposed to hair loss and sensitive to DHT hormone, DHT its effects on hair follicles cause hair loss. It triggers a process called “miniaturization,” leading to the shrinking of follicles. This results in shorter and thinner hair. DHT hormone also shortens the hair growth cycle’s anagen (growth) phase and extends the resting phase. This means less active growth of hair and increased hair shedding.
Traction Alopecia
Among the types of alopecia, traction alopecia is commonly seen in people who frequently wear tight hairstyles. It is caused by tension on the hair follicles due to constant pulling. According to a study, traction alopecia is generally common in Afro-Caribbean hairstyles with tight braids. Regular usage of tight hairstyles such as ponytails, buns, hair extensions, and weaves is another reason for traction alopecia.
It typically begins in temporal parts and above the ears. Other symptoms are broken hairs or sparse hair around the hairline, as well as bald patches where the hair is pulled the most. This condition is generally reversible during the early stages, but if the hair is exposed to pulling for an extended period of time, the hair loss may be permanent. However, even for severe cases, there are treatment options to make your hair thicker and denser! We’ll give you all the details on treatments under the “Can You Treat Alopecia?” heading.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is another alopecia type and it occurs after significant physical or emotional stress. It can happen to people of all ages and genders. This condition causes widespread thinning of hair rather than bald patches. Many hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely during this condition, causing hairs to fall out. This condition is generally not permanent; around 6 months, your hair can start growing back. However, there is also a condition called chronic telogen effluvium (CTE), which results in extended periods of hair shedding, often persisting for years. For CTE, there may not be a specific event that causes the hair loss.
Its symptoms include diffuse thinning across the scalp and increased hair shedding. Hair loss typically becomes noticeable a few months after the triggering event because hairs take time to shed during the resting phase. When this type of hair loss occurs due to stress, anxiety, or specific medication, changing lifestyle habits and eliminating the underlying reasons may help to slow down the process.
Postpartum Alopecia
Postpartum alopecia is one of the types of alopecia and and it is actually a form of telogen effluvium that is seen after pregnancy. During pregnancy the estrogen level is increased and after the birth, it returns to normal levels. Because of this hormonal shift, more hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time, resulting in increased hair shedding.
The shedding generally begins around three months after the birth and can last for several months. You can realize significant hair loss, especially when washing or brushing your hair. Rather than bald patches, you can observe a diffuse thinning of hair across the scalp in postpartum alopecia.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata (spot hair loss) is an autoimmune disorder affecting around 2% of the population at some point in their lives. This condition is caused by the body’s mistaken attacks on hair follicles. However, genetic factors and environmental factors can also play a role. It can affect people of all ages but generally starts during childhood or teenage years. The symptoms include round, smooth patches on the scalp or an itchy sensation in the affected areas. In some severe cases, it can cause complete hair loss in the scalp, which is called “alopecia totalis”.
Can You Treat Alopecia?
How can we treat alopecia, then? Well, there are different treatments for different types, and not all solutions are suitable for each type.
- Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp. It works by extending the growth phase of the hair cycle, resulting in thicker and longer hair strands. It can be used for androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, and postpartum alopecia. Its effects are seen if it is used continuously, and it is more effective in the early stages of hair loss.
- Finasteride is an oral medication that lowers the DHT hormone levels and, therefore, reduces the miniaturization of follicles. It is typically prescribed for male pattern baldness. Similar to minoxidil, it requires a long-term commitment to see the effects. Some users may experience breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and decreased libido.
- Hair transplant is a revolutionary and permanent solution for some types of alopecia. If the condition is severe and/or you want a long-term solution for your hair loss, a hair transplant is a good option. The procedure involves moving healthy hair follicles from an area of the scalp called the “donor area” to an area with thinning or balding hair. It has different types, such as FUE, DHI, and Sapphire Hair Transplant. Which technique to use depends on the hair type, hair loss type, and desired results. Let’s take a look at the hair transplant suitability of above-described alopecia types:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Hair transplant operations are highly effective in treating this type of alopecia in both men and women. They provide long-lasting and natural results.
- Traction Alopecia: It can be suitable if the alopecia is chronic or severe and natural regrowth is impossible. If the traction alopecia is in the early stage, the hair loss can be reduced by eliminating the high pressure on the hair follicles and changing the hairstyle.
- Telogen Effluvium: It is typically not necessary as this type of alopecia is temporary and the hair starts to grow on its own after a certain period of time.
- Postpartum Alopecia: As this type of alopecia is a form of telogen effluvium, it is also considered temporary and a hair transplant may not be necessary.
- Alopecia Areata: Hair transplants are generally not recommended for this type of alopecia, as the condition has an unpredictable nature.
All in all, to address your hair loss, it is important to recognize the type of hair loss and what can and can’t be done. Although there are some medications for hair loss, a hair transplant is usually the most feasible option. Using a medication is a long-term dedication and it doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome.
Hair transplants in Turkey are especially known as very successful and cost-effective. The reason for this success is the country has a very strong medical infrastructure and technology with very experienced and well-educated medical staff. Also, as the currency exchange is very high between the Turkish Lira and other currencies, as well as high competition among the clinics and the government’s incentives for medical tourism hair transplant operations are very budget-friendly in the country. The operation’s success can be seen clearly in the hair transplant results. If you’d like to get more information on hair transplant prices or ask any questions in general, you connect to a medical expert!
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Medical Content Expert
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