Hair loss can have many causes, and different conditions require different treatment. This guide explains the major types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia and scarring alopecia. Explore the symptoms and common causes of each condition, then follow the links to our detailed guides. Sudden, painful, patchy or rapidly progressing hair loss should be assessed by a qualified professional.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Written byAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of patterned hair loss. In men, it is commonly called male pattern hair loss. In women, the preferred term is usually female pattern hair loss. The…
Alopecia Areata
Written byAlopecia areata is an autoimmune form of hair loss that commonly causes one or more smooth, round or oval bald patches. It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other hair-bearing areas of…
Telogen Effluvium
Written byTelogen effluvium is a common form of diffuse, non-scarring hair shedding that usually appears after the body experiences a significant physical, hormonal, nutritional, medical, or emotional stressor. In telogen effluvium, more hair follicles than…
Traction Alopecia
Written byTraction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated or prolonged pulling forces on the hair and its follicles. It commonly develops around the hairline, temples, areas behind the ears, and other parts of the…
Trichotillomania
Written byTrichotillomania—also called hair-pulling disorder—is a mental health condition involving recurrent hair pulling that causes noticeable hair loss and is difficult to stop. Hair may be pulled from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, or other…
Scarring Alopecia
Written byScarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is a rare but serious condition that can lead to permanent hair loss. It is a type of alopecia where hair follicles are replaced by scar tissue,…
Anagen Effluvium
Written byAnagen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when there is disruption in the growth phase of hair follicles, leading to excessive shedding or hair fall. This condition can affect both men…
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Written byFrontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a form of scarring alopecia that predominantly affects women after menopause. First described by Dr. Kossard in 1994, FFA is becoming increasingly prevalent. Symptoms of FFA FFA is characterized…
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Written byWhat is Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia? Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), also known as hot comb alopecia or follicular degeneration syndrome, is a type of hair loss that primarily affects women of African descent.…
Lichen Planopilaris
Written byLichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare, chronic, and progressive form of scarring hair loss that can affect both men and women of all ages. It belongs to a group of hair loss disorders called…