Alopecia Areata
This form of hair loss is an “autoimmune” disease, meaning the body causes inflammation around the hair follicle preventing it from growing. Most often it presents as a coin shaped lesion or discrete patches of hair loss with sharp borders. Less commonly it can be more diffuse. Women with Alopecia Areata can have hair loss in other areas beside the scalp, including eyelashes and eyebrows.
Androgenic (Andro-genetic) Alopecia
This is the most common cause of hair thinning and loss in women. It is also known as Female Pattern Hair Loss, or FPHL. Up to 50 % of women have some degree of this in their lifetime. It certainly is more common as women age, particularly after menopause, but it can start as early as the teenage years. We know that it tends to run in families but sometimes there is no family history. Inheritance can be from either the mother’s or father’s family. We know that hormones play a role in this type of hair loss, especially the “androgenic” hormones such as testosterone. The hair loss is typically more pronounced in the frontal areas of the scalp. Over time the hair shaft gets thinner in a process known as “miniaturization.” Eventually if not treated, the affected hair will continue to get smaller and disappear completely.
Scarring Alopecia
This is a rare type of hair loss, which is due to inflammation around the hair follicle. There often are areas with white scales surrounding an area of inflammation, which then leads to scarring in that area. The hair follicles are actually destroyed and disappear. This is most common in African American women.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a common and temporary cause of hair loss. It usually presents as a diffuse hair loss, meaning coming from all parts of the scalp. Most commonly a woman will see increased shedding of hair. This can be caused by pregnancy, rapid weight loss, protein deficiency, emotional stress, physical illness, surgery, trauma, and some medications. Fortunately, it is usually reversible and complete regrowth occurs in about a year.
Traction Alopecia
This type of hair loss occurs from pulling the hair too tightly over prolonged periods of time. This commonly occurs with use of dread locks, or tight ponytails. The constant pulling puts pressure on the hair follicle and can lead to permanent loss.
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