Different Types of Hair Loss Disorders

Different Types of Hair Loss Disorders

Most individuals suffer from hereditary hair loss, ideally known as androgenetic alopecia, but there are numerous other factors that can lead to the condition. Hair loss can either be instant or gradual. It is ideally possible to suffer from more than one condition at the same time, with more severe or quicker hair loss being a cumulative effect. If you notice a sudden increase in hair loss or the thinning of hair, it is advisable to consult your doctor and find out whether it’s due to one of the conditions discussed below.

Hereditary Hair Loss

This is the most common hair loss condition, and it is progressive. Individuals with this condition are born with hair follicles that are sensitive to a hormone known as DHT. It makes hair follicles to miniaturize as time goes by, leading to finer and thinner hair. Ultimately, the follicles stop producing normal hair. Men with hereditary hair loss usually notice thinning at the crown or a receding hairline. Women do not always follow a noticeable pattern but may see overall thining, patchy hair loss or a widening part.

Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune hair loss condition where the immune system attacks the follicles mistakenly, leading to hair loss on the face, scalp and other body regions. This condition tends to affect multiple family members which hint that genetics ideally play a role in alopecia areata. It affects both genders and usually first appears in childhood.

Alopecia areata comes in various forms including alopecia totalis (complete loss of scalp hair), alopecia universalis (complete hair loss on the body and scalp) and ophiasis ( wave hair loss pattern around the scalp’s edge).

Anagen Effluvium

This is the sudden loss of hair during the anagen or growing stage. Anagen effluvium is usually caused by exposure to toxins and chemicals like those found in chemotherapy. It is often reversible and hair regrows within one to three months. However, permanent hair loss isn’t uncommon.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Ideally called scarring alopecia, cicatricial alopecia is a class of uncommon disorders that tend to damage hair follicles, replacing them with scar tissue. The common forms of this condition tend to appear in small patches that expand over time. This is a condition that mostly affects African-American women and while it affects a small number of individuals, it can lead to permanent hair loss.

Scalp Folliculitis

This is a hair loss condition that results from a bacterial infection. It occurs when the follicles become inflamed as a result of damage or blockage. The follicles are surrounded by an inflammation ring that resembles acne. Hair may still be present during the early stages, but it will fall out as the condition progresses. In severe situations, the inflammation tends to damage the follicles leading to hair loss.

Trichotillomania (TTM)

This is a compulsive disorder that’s characterized by the need for the individual to pull out their own hair. This condition can affect facial, head of body hair, leading to noticeable bald patches, infections and hair loss in severe cases. However, if the compulsive behavior is stopped, the hair can regrow.

Man weave has been used on clients with all the above hair disorderes