Hair loss is a serious problem that affects both men and women. While it can take many forms, and be caused by many different things, the results are often the same: faltering self-confidence, decreased self-consciousness, reduced quality of life, and stigmatization.

The good news is that hair loss is often treatable. However, finding the right treatment option requires understanding the reason for hair loss in the first place. Below, we will explore the most common hair disorders.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)

Perhaps the most common of all hair disorders is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. However, the name is a bit misleading, as it can affect both men and women. In men, it usually begins above the temples, leading to an M-shaped hairline, which then recedes from front to back. In women, it usually begins with thinning along the part, but often progresses to all-over hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

Hair loss often occurs in a defined pattern (the M-shaped recession of male pattern baldness, or the all-over hair loss of androgenetic alopecia in women, for instance). However, sometimes it can be patchy, with hair thinning in seemingly random areas across the head. As this process increases, it becomes what’s called alopecia totalis (total hair loss from the head) and can even extend to alopecia unversalis (hair loss across the entire body).

Traction Alopecia

While hair loss often occurs due to the effects of hormones in the body, sometimes it happens due to external factors. Traction alopecia is such a condition – repeated pulling, pressure, tugging, and other external forces can cause thinning hair. This is often seen with braids and weaves, but can even be present with the use of clips and barrettes.

Telogen Effluvium

Many forms of hair loss are permanent, but not all are. Telogen effluvium is the name given to temporary hair loss caused by significantly stressful situations. The body’s stress reaction causes hair follicles to enter the shedding stage (telogen), but normal growth resumes afterward.

Anagen Effluvium

This type of hair loss is sudden and occurs with hair in the active growth stage. It is usually the result of medicine or medical treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. While it may be significant, this type of hair loss is usually temporary, with the hair regrowing after the medication or treatment ends.

Finding a Path Toward Treatment

No matter the type of hair disorder, thinning hair can damage your self-esteem and even age your appearance. Thankfully, most hair disorders are treatable. The first step is to have the disorder diagnosed, but that can be challenging.

It is important to work with a leading medical professional who considers all the factors when making a diagnosis, including lifestyle, family history, personal health history, and more. That should be combined with an in-depth study of your scalp and a full assessment of the pattern of hair loss. With an accurate diagnosis, you can begin treatment and find relief from the hair disorder.

Heredity brings us many wonderful things. You might have your grandmother’s eyes, or perhaps your father’s square jaw. Perhaps you inherited your aunt’s naturally curly hair, or a parent’s musical ability. However, sometimes, our inherited genetics give us gifts that are not quite so positive: Hair loss is a good example.

Androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss, is the most common type of hair loss disorder. It is also genetic, passed down through the generations. The good news is that this family trait doesn’t have to define your life.

What Causes Androgenetic Alopecia?

While androgenetic alopecia is often associated with men (male pattern baldness), women can also suffer from it. Like blue eyes or curly hair, it is a genetic trait passed along within your DNA. And, because of that, it can be treated, but there is no “cure”. Technically, it is not a disease, any more than being tall is a disease, or having red hair is a disease.

How Does Androgenetic Alopecia Progress?

It’s important to understand that while there are multiple, defined stages, progress through those stages may be uneven. The first stage sees no significant recession of the hairline or hair loss. In the second stage, the hairline begins to recede, usually beginning around the temples for men. Women often see thinning across the scalp, without the defined M-shaped pattern most men experience.

The third stage of androgenetic alopecia is recession at both temples, combined with noticeable hair loss. Next, the hairline continues to recede, with hair loss starting to accelerate. In the fifth stage, the hairline has extended back, with a narrow strip of hair remaining at the crown. Within the sixth and seventh stages, most of the hair is lost from the top of the head, with only a fringe remaining around the sides and back.

Beyond Genetics: Contributing Factors for Androgenetic Alopecia

While your genes are the most significant driver of hair loss, other factors complicate the situation and can accelerate loss and hairline recession. These include hormone imbalances (particularly in women suffering from hair loss), medications, medical treatments, menopause, and lifestyle factors, such as trauma or poor diet.

How Can You Treat Androgenetic Alopecia?

While there is no cure for androgenetic alopecia, there are multiple treatment options on the market, varying from topical treatments to hair replacement surgery. For mild hair loss, vitamin shampoos may provide the nourishment hair follicles need, although they will not halt hair loss. More advanced cases may require treatment with a product like Propecia or finasteride and/or a topical application such as Rogaine. Laser therapy can also provide some benefits.

Other options include scalp injection therapy with platelet-rich plasma, or stem cell therapy. However, for full restoration of lost hair, hair transplant surgery is the only choice. Today’s methods include follicular unit hair transplant (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE).

Achieving a Healthy Head of Hair

No matter what your stage of hair loss, there are ways to fight back. While there is no cure, there are options that can allow you to enjoy a full head of healthy hair. With the right physician, you can follow a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.