UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS

Types of hair loss

Hair loss can have various causes and patterns.

Read how hereditary, diffuse, patchy, and scarring hair loss differ from each other.

Written by the TRIX Basic team

Medically reviewed by Prof. dr. Sherief Janmohamed · Dermatologist

Photo: Types of hair loss

Briefly summarized

  • Hereditary hair loss usually develops gradually and follows a recognizable pattern.
  • Diffuse hair loss is spread across the scalp and causes more hair loss than normal.
  • Patchy hair loss causes clearly defined bald spots.
  • Scarring hair loss can permanently damage hair follicles and requires timely assessment.
Photo: Two main types of hair loss

MEDICAL CLASSIFICATION

Two main types of hair loss

  • Non-scarring hair loss: the hair follicles remain present. Depending on the cause, recovery may be possible. Examples include hereditary hair loss, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata.
  • Scarring hair loss: an inflammatory process can permanently damage hair follicles. Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a well-known form of this. Early recognition is important.

COMPARE CARTRIDGES

Four types of hair loss

  • Hereditary hair loss: usually develops gradually and often follows a recognizable pattern along the hairline, part, or crown.
  • Diffuse hair loss: causes more widespread hair loss across the scalp, often after physical or emotional stress.
  • Alopecia areata: usually causes one or more clearly defined bald patches to appear suddenly.
  • Frontal fibrosing alopecia: causes scarring and is recognizable by a gradually receding hairline.
Four types of hair loss
What can you look out for yourself?

RECOGNISE THE SIGNALS

What can you look out for yourself?

  • Does the hair loss develop gradually or suddenly? Does the hair loss develop gradually or suddenly??
  • Does the hair fall out in patches or diffusely across the scalp?
  • Does the hairline, part, or crown change primarily??
  • Are there smooth, clearly defined patches visible?
  • Are you also experiencing itching, redness, flaking, or a burning sensation??

These features provide clues but do not establish a cause.

Important to know

Not every form of hair loss has the same cause or requires the same approach. Especially in the case of sudden, patchy, or scarring hair loss, it is advisable to have the cause professionally assessed.

Read more about hair loss

Photo: Androgenetic alopecia

HEREDITARY HAIR LOSS

Androgenetic alopecia

Learn how hereditary hair loss develops, which patterns are common, and which factors play a role.

 Read more →
Photo: Telogen effluvium

Diffuse hair loss

Telogen effluvium

Learn how diffuse hair loss can develop after illness, stress, childbirth, or another physical strain.

 Read more →
Alopecia areata

PATCHY HAIR LOSS

Alopecia areata

Learn how alopecia areata develops, how to recognise this condition, and why its course varies from person to person.

 Read more →

Questions about types of hair loss

What types of hair loss are there?

Hair loss is classified into hereditary, diffuse, patchy, and scarring hair loss, among other types. Well-known examples include androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and frontal fibrosing alopecia.
How do I know what type of hair loss I have?

The pattern, pace, and any scalp symptoms provide clues. Gradual thinning, for example, is more often associated with hereditary hair loss, while sudden bald patches may indicate alopecia areata. A professional assessment may be needed for certainty.
Is hair loss always permanent?

No. Some forms, such as telogen effluvium, may be temporary when the triggering factor disappears. In scarring hair loss, hair follicles can be permanently damaged. The course varies depending on the cause and the individual.
What is the difference between hereditary and diffuse hair loss?

Hereditary hair loss usually develops gradually in a recognizable pattern around the hairline, parting, or crown. Diffuse hair loss is spread across the scalp and can occur, for example, after illness, stress, childbirth, weight loss, or a nutrient deficiency.
Can multiple types of hair loss occur at the same time?

Yes. For example, someone may have hereditary hair loss and also develop temporary diffuse hair loss. As a result, the pattern may become less clear, making assessment of the possible causes even more important.
When is professional advice advisable?

Have sudden hair loss, clearly increasing hair loss, bald patches, or hair loss accompanied by itching, redness, flaking, pain, or a burning sensation assessed. Timely evaluation is also advisable for a receding hairline with smooth or abnormal-looking scalp skin.

Sources and medical background

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