Hair loss is incredibly common. At some point in our lives, more than 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women will experience significant hair loss. Our identity can be so bound up in our physical appearance that losing too much hair can negatively impact our self-esteem and affect all aspects of our lives – from romance to career.
The good news is that some kinds of hair loss are temporary… and that cosmetic medicine has greatly advanced. Which means that even permanent hair loss may be rectified with hair replacement procedures. Before addressing hair loss, it’s crucial to determine what condition you’re experiencing and what’s causing it.
How Do I Know What Type of Hair Loss I Have?
Androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata are easily identifiable because of their distinctive patterns, but other types of hair loss may require a physical examination. We strongly suggest you book a consultation so you can receive a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing the reason for your hair loss involves taking a medical history and performing an exam. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your family history of hair loss, and your lifestyle habits. They will then examine your scalp for inflammation, scarring, or any other issues that could cause hair loss.
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Your doctor may perform a pull test to see if hair releases from your scalp too readily, and a tug test to see if your hair shafts break too easily. They may also order cultures, biopsies, or blood tests if a basic examination doesn’t uncover a definitive cause.
What Are the Common Types of Hair Loss?
While there are many types of hair loss, these are five of the most common ones we see, what they look like, and why they occur:
- Androgenic alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is by far the most common type of hair loss. In men, it is referred to as male pattern baldness and results in a receding, M-shaped hairline that can progress to full baldness. Female pattern baldness is more diffuse, with overall thinning throughout the scalp. Both types are genetic and increase with age-related hormonal changes. The condition can be slowed with proper treatment but cannot be reversed without hair replacement surgery.
- Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is diffuse hair loss that exceeds the average of 50-100 lost hairs per day. It is extremely common and is caused by a physical or psychological stressor that interrupts the hair’s normal growth cycle. Typically, hair returns to normal several months after the stressor is removed. In the meantime, there are treatments that may help retain and regrow hair.
- Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is characterized by circular patches of hair loss on the scalp and body that can eventually grow and overlap. It results from the immune system attacking hair follicles and is often triggered by stress, illness, or an injury. If the underlying cause is addressed, alopecia areata may be reversible – especially if one undergoes regrowth treatments.
- Scarring alopecia
Scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, results in shiny bald patches – possibly accompanied by redness, blistering, or scaling. It is often caused by burns, chemical exposure, infections, or autoimmune issues. The condition isn’t reversible but may be treatable with hair replacement surgery.
- Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is characterized by broken hairs, inflammation of the hair follicles, redness, itchiness, or bumps that resemble small pimples. It is caused by wearing severe styles that pull on the hair’s roots or consistent wearing of tight head coverings. Traction alopecia may be reversible if addressed early. If not, hair replacement surgery may be an option.
How Do I Know If My Hair Loss is Normal?
It’s normal to shed between 50-100 hairs per day. If you are losing more than this, it is considered excessive shedding and may be a cause for concern.
If you are experiencing overall hair thinning (or if your hair loss occurs in clumps or in a discernible pattern), you may have a progressive condition that should be addressed sooner rather than later. With the wide range of treatments available, hair loss may be common, but it doesn’t have to be your “new normal.”
Set Up a Hair Restoration Consultation Today
Reef Hair offers a full spectrum of treatments and transplantation options, including device assisted ARTAS® and NeoGraft® procedures, as well as classic manual FUE and FUT transplants.
Contact us today to set up a consultation. We will perform a full hair and scalp analysis, as well as discuss potential treatments so you can choose the one that will help you achieve the hairline you desire!
