Alopecia is a general term for hair loss, a condition millions of American men and women experience yearly. There are several kinds of alopecia, each with its own causes, effects, and treatment. This is your guide to the different types of alopecia and how they affect your scalp and subsequent hair growth.
Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia affects both men and women but is more commonly found in men. It is known as male or female pattern hair loss and is caused by genetics. Androgenic alopecia in men often starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown, eventually leading to complete baldness. However, in women, this type of alopecia acts very differently. It typically does not result in complete baldness but instead causes thinning and a widening of the center part.
Although the progression can be slowed, androgenic alopecia is typically irreversible. However, the earlier it is addressed, the better the prognosis for hanging onto your natural hair longer.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that results in bald patches anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the scalp. Your immune system mistakes your hair follicles as a threat and attacks them, preventing hair growth. While there is a chance that your hair may grow back without treatment, there is also the chance that another flare-up could result in it falling out again.
Alopecia Totalis
Like alopecia areata, alopecia totalis is an autoimmune disease. This type of alopecia begins as areata and develops into totalis. Those affected with alopecia totalis start with patchy baldness areas that eventually result in complete balding. Progression from areata to totalis can happen quickly and without much warning.
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is the most severe form of alopecia and is different from all other forms of alopecia because it causes complete hair loss all over your body, including your scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. It is believed that alopecia universalis is caused by an autoimmune disease. In most cases, hair loss is permanent.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when excessive, continuous stress is placed on hair follicles, resulting in damage, and preventing future hair growth. This condition is most commonly caused by tight hairstyles (e.g., ponytails, buns, braids, cornrows, etc.). The best way to prevent traction alopecia is to wear loose hairstyles and avoid placing too much weight and stress on hair follicles. Once hair follicles are damaged, hair loss is irreversible.
Cicatricial Alopecia
Cicatricial alopecia, also known as scarring alopecia, results in irreversible hair loss. It's caused by inflammatory illness, autoimmune disorders, or skin injuries. Skin injuries can include cuts, burns, and other forms of trauma affecting the skin. With this type of alopecia, the follicle is destroyed, and there's often scarring, so hair loss is permanent. This condition can occur on any part of the body and appears as patchy balding accompanied by scarring.
What Can You Do to Treat Alopecia?
There are several different treatments available depending on the type of alopecia you have and the cause. It is advisable to seek professional help from a reputable hair restoration studio. The earlier hair loss issues are diagnosed, the better. LH Hair is North Carolina's most trusted hair restoration studio in North Carolina and specializes in all different types of alopecia. Our certified hairstylists will conduct a thorough evaluation and walk you through your natural regrowth options. If regrowth is not a viable option, we also have a full line of hair loss solutions to give you a full head of hair that you are proud of.
Our hair loss solutions include top-of-the-line hair restoration systems, wigs, extensions, and more. Choose the solution that fits your lifestyle and budget. Contact us today, and let us help you live life to the fullest.
