6 Types of Alopecia and How They’re Treated (2024)

"Alopecia" is a generic term for hair loss. There are many types. The causes of this condition vary and include genetics, hormones, aging, and stress. The underlying cause of alopecia will determine the type you have.

Alopecia can affect people of any sex or age. No form of this condition is contagious. If you're experiencing hair loss, it's important to identify the underlying cause. Alopecia treatments may vary based on their cause.

6 Types of Alopecia and How They’re Treated (1)

1. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. People with this condition have immune systems that attack their hair follicles. This results in an inflammatory response that causes hair loss.

Most commonly, people with this condition will experience hair loss on their scalp and face, usually in quarter-sized patches. which may or may not spread. Hair regrowth is common, although hair loss can also reoccur or become permanent.

Anyone at any age can get alopecia areata, although it most commonly starts early in life. Children, teens, and young adults may all experience hair loss.

Some people with this condition have a family history of close relatives who also have it. Alopecia areata may also be more likely to affect people who have these conditions:

Psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition)
Vitiligo (a chronic condition that produces skin patches that lack pigment)
Thyroid disease
Hay fever (seasonal respiratory allergies)
Eczema (inflammatory skin condition)

Alopecia areata is further broken down into several subtypes, which include:

Alopecia barbae: Patchy hair loss that affects the beard
Alopecia ophiasis: A straight or wavy band of hair loss, typically around the back and sides of the head
Alopecia totalis: Full scalp hair loss
Alopecia universalis: A rare subtype causing complete hair loss on the scalp, face, and body

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2. Androgenic (or Androgenetic) Alopecia

Androgenic alopecia is also referred to as androgenetic alopecia and hereditary hair loss. This condition can cause hair loss in people of any sex.

It's thought that androgens (sex hormones produced in all sexes but in greater amounts by the testes), such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a strong role in its occurrence.

A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology

Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.

Male-Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

In males, androgenic alopecia is commonly referred to as male-pattern baldness. Males with this condition start to experience hair loss above their temples, on the sides of the head.

Over time, a pattern of hair loss emerges in an "M" shape from the front of the scalp to the back. The hair also starts to thin at the top (crown) of the head. People may eventually go almost bald or completely bald from this condition.

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Female-Pattern Androgenic Alopecia

Female-pattern baldness causes the hair to thin at the top of the head. Females with this condition start to notice that their middle part is getting wider. Unlike male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness rarely leads to complete hair loss. It also doesn't alter the front of the hairline.

Certain conditions that cause hormonal imbalances in females, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are sometimes associated with female pattern androgenic alopecia.

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3. Lichen Planopilaris

Lichen planopilaris is a type of scarring alopecia. It is a type of cicatricial (or scarring) alopecia. It is an uncommon immunological condition. A 2022 study found its highest prevalence in females over age 55, although it can affect people of any age or sex.

In people with this condition, the immune system attacks the stem cells that support hair follicle growth. This results in the destruction of the hair follicles and scar tissue formation. Lichen planopilaris causes permanent hair loss.

4. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring alopecia. This condition's underlying cause is unknown, although genetic factors may exist.

People with this condition start to lose their hair in the middle of the scalp. The hair loss then spreads away from the center, eve to the entire scalp in some instances. Symptoms such as itching, pain, and brittle hair often accompany this diagnosis.

CCCA causes permanent hair loss, but treatments, such as injected corticosteroids or antibiotics, may slow down its progression.

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5. Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia results from the long-term pulling of hair into tight styles, like ponytails or buns. Constantly pulling on hair causes ongoing strain on the hair follicles. Over time, this may damage or destroy them, causing hair loss.

Chemical hair relaxers, extensions, and other styling practices may also cause this condition. So can wearing too-tight headgear for long periods.

People with this condition will see full or patchy hair loss in the areas where pulling causes strain. These include the top of the head, sides of the scalp, and the beard area. You may also see pimples or ulcers and experience itching.

This condition can be reversed, especially if it is caught early before the complete destruction of the hair follicles occurs. Changing the way you style your hair is a necessary part of treatment. Topical minoxidil and corticosteroid use may also be recommended. However, late-stage forms of this condition (chronic traction alopecia) cannot be reversed.

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6. Postpartum Alopecia

Postpartum hair loss occurs in most people who give birth. It usually begins two to four months after delivery. It may last for six months to a year.

This condition may result from changes to the hair growth cycle during pregnancy. It may also result from rapidly falling estrogen levels and other factors, like stress.

Postpartum hair loss is temporary and self-correcting. Many dermatologists consider it a form of telogen effluvium, which describes a state of increased hair shedding.

Most Common

In Men

The hair loss type most common in males is male-pattern baldness. This condition affects 30% to 50% of all males by the age of 50. Alopecia areata is another common cause of hair loss in men, as it affects people of all sexes.

In Women

The most common cause of hair loss in women is androgenic alopecia. Underlying hormonal conditions, like PCOS, are often the catalyst for female pattern baldness.

Telogen effluvium is a common cause of temporary hair loss that affects people of all sexes and is often seen in women. It comes on suddenly and may result in severe hair loss.

Causes of telogen effluvium in women include:

Crash dieting (losing weight quickly)
Hormonal changes, such as those experienced with pregnancy
Iron deficiency
Stress
Taking chemotherapy drugs
Thyroid disease
Trauma
Vitamin D deficiency

In Children

Pediatric alopecia is hair loss in people under age 12. This condition is usually caused by non-scarring, nonpermanent forms of alopecia.

The most common causes are:

Alopecia areata
Telogen effluvium
Tinea capitis (fungal infection)
Traction alopecia
Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)

Other Possible Causes of Hair Loss

A wide range of factors can bring about temporary and permanent hair loss. A specialist, such as a dermatologist, can help you identify the underlying cause of hair loss. In addition to the forms of alopecia outlined above, hair loss causes may include:

Dietary deficiencies, including iron, biotin, protein, and zinc
Friction caused by excessive rubbing against clothing, such as socks or boots, (friction alopecia) resulting in hair loss on the body
Hormonal changes or imbalance
Large onetime ingestion of warfarin, vitamin A, or selenium
Medication side effects, including those used for cancer
Scalp infections
Scalp psoriasis
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis
Slow poisoning by substances like arsenic, mercury, and lithium
Stress that’s severe
Thyroid disease

Summary

Alopecia is temporary or permanent hair loss. Alopecia has a wide range of causes. Heredity, genetics, and immunological conditions are some of the most common causes.

Hair loss can affect people of any age, sex, or gender. Treatments are available to preserve the remaining hair. The best way to reduce the effects of alopecia is to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.