Frustrating and embarrassing, hair loss happens to both men and women of all ages and ethnicities. If you are experiencing this change in your appearance and self-confidence, it helps to understand the different types of hair loss and their causes. Information is empowering, so read on to understand what may be happening to your head of hair.
Types of Hair Loss
Experts categorize hair loss by several causative factors. Genetics is one of them. In other words, hair loss often runs in families, and whether your mom or your dad experienced it, you may be prone to develop it over time.
And yes, both men and women lose their hair–men starting as early as their twenties, and women around the time of menopause–the late forties and into the fifties. As such, there are two iconic hair loss patterns. They are:
- Male Pattern Hair Loss, a hairline that recedes to form an M shape starting at the forehead and possibly progressing to the back of the head
- Female Pattern Hair Loss, a more gradual, overall thinning of the hair, starting with a widening of the middle or side part
While genetics play a role in these kinds of hair loss, androgens, or male hormones, also seem to contribute to it.
Other Types of Hair Loss and Their Causes
A medical consultation with your hair loss doctor helps pinpoint the causes of the following hair loss types and what kind of restoration or replacement options would be safest and most effective for you.
Alopecia areata
Also called patchy hair loss, alopecia areata creates random spots of complete baldness. They may be located at the front, sides, or back of the head and may progress to complete baldness. Alopecia areata can even affect hair on other parts of the body, such as a man’s facial hair. Studies show it comes from a problem in the immune system.
Telogen Effluvium
Prolonged life stress or a traumatic incident can force hair follicles into the resting phase of their growth cycle. Usually, hair growth–even if it is substantial–resumes spontaneously as the next hair growth cycle starts.
Anagen Effluvium
This is a sudden, high-volume, and distressing hair loss. Usually, medications, such as chemotherapy and radiation used in cancer treatment, cause it. Blood thinning drugs and oral birth control pills also precipitate anagen effluvium in some individuals.
Additional Causes of Hair Loss
Many people may not realize that these factors also may lead to hair loss:
- Infections of the scalp (ringworm as an example)
- Poor nutrition
- Aggressive hair styling methods and overuse of some hair care products and blow dryers
Hair Replacement and Treatment Options in Tacoma, Seattle And Spokane, WA
Northwest Hair Restoration offers a wide range of hair restoration treatments and replacement options. If you wish to explore what experienced hair restoration physician Dr. Robert Niedbalski can do for you, come see us for an informative consultation. He can help you understand the reasons for your hair loss and work with you to give you back the hair you love.
We have three convenient locations to serve you: Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane, Washington. Call (253) 572-2949 or request your visit online. We look forward to meeting you!
