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Types of Baldness

Balding can be caused by many factors, such as genetics or hormonal conditions. There are various types of the condition, with male pattern baldness the most common. Ordinarily, hair has a cycle of growing and resting. The growth phase of the hair is known as antigen, while the resting phase is known as telogen. Once a strand of hair is shed during the telogen phase, a new strand of hair will begin to grow. However, baldness disrupts this process.

  1. Female Pattern Baldness

    • Female pattern baldness refers to women who have thinning throughout their scalp, with the front maintaining its thickness. According to the University of Virginia Health System, female pattern baldness is not common and does not result in a complete loss of hair. If you have family members who have suffered from the condition you have an increased chance of developing female pattern baldness.

    Male Pattern Baldness

    • Much like female pattern baldness, heredity is a big factor in the development of male pattern baldness. According to the Mayo Clinic, hereditary pattern baldness can also determine at what age your hair will begin to fall out, the rate at which your hair will recede, and the pattern and severity of your hair loss. You may begin to lose your hair at the sides, front or top of your head. At times it is common to lose a patch of hair, while at other times, complete loss of hair can occur.

    Alopecia Areata

    • The exact cause of alopecia areata, which is the loss of hair all over the body, is unknown. It may be due to autoimmune diseases or illnesses, such as a thyroid disease or a virus. If family members have developed the condition your chances of developing it increases. Once you develop alopecia areata, you may experience several phases of hair loss and regrowth. However, if you experience total body hair loss your hair may never grow back.

    Telogen Effluvium

    • Telogen effluvium is the result of some form of shock to your body, whether emotional or physical. Factors such as stress, high fever, hormonal disturbances or nutritional deficiencies can contribute to telogen effluvium. According to the American Hair Loss Association, telogen effluvium is the second-leading cause of baldness. When you develop telogen effluvium, your hair abruptly forces its roots into a resting stage. As a result, the affected hairs begin to fall out. You may have thinning or balding that can be severe.

    Other Types

    • There are various other types of baldness, such as cicatricial alopecia and traction alopecia. Cicatricial alopecia, or scarring alopecia, occurs when your hair follicles become permanently damaged and scarred. Skin conditions such as lichen planus or lupus can cause the condition to occur. Traction alopecia occurs due to excessive hairstyling, such as forcibly pulling your hair back in extremely tight hairstyles. Continually pulling at the roots of your hair may permanently result in hair loss.

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