“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.
humanmade / Getty Images
1. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areatais 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:
Alopecia areata is further broken down into several subtypes, which include:
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
2. Androgenic (or Androgenetic) Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is also referred to as androgenetic alopecia and hereditary hair loss.This condition can causehair loss in people of any sex.
However, heredity,genetics, and environmental factors may also have an impact.This condition can often be arrested with topical Rogaine (minoxidil) and oral Proscar or Propecia (finasteride).
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell 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.
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.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Female-Pattern Androgenic Alopecia
Female-pattern baldnesscauses 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, likepolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are sometimes associated with female pattern androgenic alopecia.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
3. Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen planopilarisis a type of scarring alopecia. It is a type ofcicatricial(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.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a form of this condition. This subtype causes follicle scarring and permanent hair loss in the front of the scalp and sometimes in the eyebrows.
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.
5. Traction Alopecia
Traction alopeciaresults 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.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr Richard Ashtondermnetnz.org2023.
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 thehair growth cycleduring 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 oftelogen effluvium, which describes a state of increased hair shedding.
Most Common
In Men
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 effluviumis 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:
In Children
The most common causes are:
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:
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.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn Medicine.Alopecia (hair loss).National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss types: alopecia areata overview.National Alopecia Areata Foundation.Alopecia areata types.American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: who gets and causes.MedlinePlus.Androgenetic alopecia.Alopecia UK.Types of alopecia.Joshi TP, Zhu H, Naqvi Z, Holla S, Duruewuru A, Ren V.Prevalence of lichen planopilaris in the United States: a cross-sectional study of the All of Us research program.JAAD Int. 2022;8:69-70. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2022.05.003Alopecia UK.Lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia).Malki L, Sarig O, Romano MT, et al.VariantPADI3in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.N Engl J Med. 2019;380(9):833-841. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1816614Alopecia UK.Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia).Alopecia UK.Traction alopecia.Hirose A, Terauchi M, Odai T, et al.Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2023;9(2):e084. doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000084American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss in new moms.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., edsPenn Medicine.Female pattern baldness.UCLA Health.What causes female hair loss?Australian Journal of General Practice.Common causes of paediatric alopecia.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Penn Medicine.Alopecia (hair loss).National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss types: alopecia areata overview.National Alopecia Areata Foundation.Alopecia areata types.American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: who gets and causes.MedlinePlus.Androgenetic alopecia.Alopecia UK.Types of alopecia.Joshi TP, Zhu H, Naqvi Z, Holla S, Duruewuru A, Ren V.Prevalence of lichen planopilaris in the United States: a cross-sectional study of the All of Us research program.JAAD Int. 2022;8:69-70. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2022.05.003Alopecia UK.Lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia).Malki L, Sarig O, Romano MT, et al.VariantPADI3in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.N Engl J Med. 2019;380(9):833-841. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1816614Alopecia UK.Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia).Alopecia UK.Traction alopecia.Hirose A, Terauchi M, Odai T, et al.Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2023;9(2):e084. doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000084American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss in new moms.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., edsPenn Medicine.Female pattern baldness.UCLA Health.What causes female hair loss?Australian Journal of General Practice.Common causes of paediatric alopecia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Penn Medicine.Alopecia (hair loss).National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss types: alopecia areata overview.National Alopecia Areata Foundation.Alopecia areata types.American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: who gets and causes.MedlinePlus.Androgenetic alopecia.Alopecia UK.Types of alopecia.Joshi TP, Zhu H, Naqvi Z, Holla S, Duruewuru A, Ren V.Prevalence of lichen planopilaris in the United States: a cross-sectional study of the All of Us research program.JAAD Int. 2022;8:69-70. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2022.05.003Alopecia UK.Lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia).Malki L, Sarig O, Romano MT, et al.VariantPADI3in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.N Engl J Med. 2019;380(9):833-841. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1816614Alopecia UK.Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia).Alopecia UK.Traction alopecia.Hirose A, Terauchi M, Odai T, et al.Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2023;9(2):e084. doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000084American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss in new moms.Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., edsPenn Medicine.Female pattern baldness.UCLA Health.What causes female hair loss?Australian Journal of General Practice.Common causes of paediatric alopecia.
Penn Medicine.Alopecia (hair loss).
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Alopecia areata.
American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss types: alopecia areata overview.
National Alopecia Areata Foundation.Alopecia areata types.
American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss: who gets and causes.
MedlinePlus.Androgenetic alopecia.
Alopecia UK.Types of alopecia.
Joshi TP, Zhu H, Naqvi Z, Holla S, Duruewuru A, Ren V.Prevalence of lichen planopilaris in the United States: a cross-sectional study of the All of Us research program.JAAD Int. 2022;8:69-70. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2022.05.003
Alopecia UK.Lichen planopilaris (scarring alopecia).
Malki L, Sarig O, Romano MT, et al.VariantPADI3in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.N Engl J Med. 2019;380(9):833-841. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1816614
Alopecia UK.Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (scarring alopecia).
Alopecia UK.Traction alopecia.
Hirose A, Terauchi M, Odai T, et al.Investigation of exacerbating factors for postpartum hair loss: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2023;9(2):e084. doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000084
American Academy of Dermatology.Hair loss in new moms.
Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R.Male androgenetic alopecia. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., eds
Penn Medicine.Female pattern baldness.
UCLA Health.What causes female hair loss?
Australian Journal of General Practice.Common causes of paediatric alopecia.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
