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LOSING HAIR? START HERE

Understand the pattern behind your hair loss.

Whether you are seeing gradual thinning, sudden shedding, smooth patches, or changes to your scalp, learning what the pattern may mean can help you take a more informed next step.

Compare hair-loss conditions ↓ Find a verified trichologist
You are not expected to diagnose this alone. These guides can help you prepare for a qualified hair and scalp assessment.
Hair loss is a symptom—not a single diagnosis. Use the visual guides below to understand common patterns, then seek professional assessment for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
VISUAL CONDITION GUIDES

What does your hair loss look like?

Each image represents a common presentation, but appearance alone cannot confirm a condition.

Examples of male and female androgenetic alopecia patternsAndrogenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia

Gradual thinning at the hairline, part, crown, or top of the scalp.

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Woman experiencing diffuse hair shedding associated with telogen effluviumTelogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium

More shedding than usual, often noticed in the shower, brush, or throughout the day.

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Woman showing a smooth patch of hair loss associated with alopecia areataAlopecia areata

Alopecia areata

Sudden smooth patches or, in some people, more widespread diffuse loss.

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Thinning around the temples and frontal hairline associated with traction alopeciaTraction alopecia

Traction alopecia

Thinning or breakage near areas placed under repeated hairstyle tension.

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Irregular patch containing hairs of different lengths associated with trichotillomaniaTrichotillomania

Trichotillomania

Irregular patches with broken hairs of different lengths caused by recurrent hair pulling.

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Clinician examining rapid diffuse hair loss associated with anagen effluviumAnagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium

Rapid, widespread shedding or breakage during the active growth phase, often after a major medical treatment or toxic exposure.

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Visible scalp changes associated with possible scarring alopeciaScarring alopecia
Prompt assessment advised

Scarring alopecia

Hair loss with inflammation, discomfort, or areas where follicular openings appear reduced.

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Receding frontal hairline associated with frontal fibrosing alopeciaFrontal fibrosing alopecia
Prompt assessment advised

Frontal fibrosing alopecia

A receding frontal or temporal hairline, sometimes with eyebrow loss or skin changes.

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Crown thinning associated with central centrifugal cicatricial alopeciaCentral centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
Prompt assessment advised

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

Thinning that often begins near the center or crown and gradually expands outward.

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Scalp inflammation and hair loss associated with lichen planopilarisLichen planopilaris
Prompt assessment advised

Lichen planopilaris

Patchy loss that may occur with redness, scale, itching, burning, or scalp tenderness.

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DO NOT WAIT ON THESE SIGNS

Some hair loss needs prompt medical evaluation.

Seek timely assessment if hair loss is accompanied by pain, burning, marked redness, pustules, crusting, bleeding, rapid progression, eyebrow loss, or smooth scar-like areas.

A verified trichologist can document the visible pattern and help coordinate care. Medical diagnosis, prescription treatment, biopsy, and management of inflammatory or scarring alopecia require an appropriately licensed healthcare professional.

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