Types of Hair Loss: A Complete Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
The main types of hair loss are androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, anagen effluvium, traction alopecia, scarring alopecia, tinea capitis, and trichotillomania. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common. Treatment depends on the type, so a proper diagnosis comes first.
Hair loss is stressful, and it is hard to treat until you know the cause. This guide explains the most common types of hair loss, how to recognise each one, and your options. If you are in Hong Kong and want a professional opinion, you can start with a clinical scalp and follicle assessment at STRAND+.
What Is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It is not one disease. It is a group of conditions with different causes. Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. It becomes a concern when shedding increases, hair gets visibly thinner, or bald patches appear.
Alopecia types fall into two groups:
Non-scarring alopecia: the follicle stays intact, so regrowth is often possible.
Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia: the follicle is destroyed and replaced by scar tissue, so early treatment matters.
To understand why hair stops growing, read our guide to hair loss science.
Main Types of Hair Loss
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
What is it? Androgenetic alopecia is the most common of all the types of hair loss. Genetics and sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) gradually shrink hair follicles, so each growth cycle produces finer, shorter hair. This process is called follicle miniaturisation.
In men: a receding hairline and thinning at the crown.
In women: diffuse thinning on top of the scalp, with the hairline usually kept.
Treatment options: minoxidil, prescription medicines such as finasteride (for men), low-level laser therapy, and regenerative scalp treatments.
Learn more about androgenic alopecia in Hong Kong and how our treatments target the follicle and the scalp environment.
2. Telogen Effluvium
What is it? Temporary heavy shedding that happens when many hairs enter the resting phase together, usually two to three months after a trigger.
Common triggers: severe stress, illness or fever, childbirth, surgery, crash dieting, and low iron, vitamin D, or zinc.
Symptoms: sudden shedding across the whole scalp, but rarely total baldness.
Treatment: treat the cause. Most people see regrowth within 6 to 12 months.
3. Alopecia Areata
What is it? An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round or oval bald patches on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows.
Variants: alopecia totalis (whole scalp) and alopecia universalis (whole body).
Treatment: corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, and, in selected cases, JAK inhibitors prescribed by a specialist. Regrowth is unpredictable.
4. Anagen Effluvium
What is it? Rapid hair loss during the active growth phase, most often caused by chemotherapy or radiation.
Treatment: hair usually regrows after treatment ends. Scalp cooling may reduce loss for some patients.
5. Traction Alopecia
What is it? Hair loss from constant pulling by tight ponytails, braids, weaves, or extensions.
Symptoms: thinning along the hairline and temples, tenderness or small bumps.
Treatment: loosen the style early. Long-term tension can cause permanent loss.
6. Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia
What is it? A rare group of alopecia types, including lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, where inflammation destroys the follicle.
Symptoms: redness, burning, itching, pain, or a smooth, shiny scalp.
Treatment: anti-inflammatory medicines to stop progression. See a dermatologist quickly.
7. Tinea Capitis (Fungal Scalp Infection)
What is it? A fungal infection that causes scaly, itchy patches and broken hairs, common in children.
Treatment: prescription antifungal medicine. Hair usually regrows once the infection clears.
8. Trichotillomania
What is it? A mental health condition involving an urge to pull out one’s own hair, leaving uneven patches.
Treatment: behavioural therapy such as habit reversal training, and sometimes medication.
Other causes: thyroid disorders, PCOS, anaemia, menopause, and some medications can also thin the hair.
How Are Types of Hair Loss Diagnosed?
A specialist usually reviews your medical history, shedding pattern, scalp condition, and family history. Blood tests or a scalp biopsy may be needed in some cases.
A STRAND+ Clinical Scalp & Follicle Assessment is non-invasive. It looks at hair density, hairline recession, signs of follicle miniaturisation, shedding patterns, and scalp condition. It is not a replacement for a medical diagnosis, but it supports earlier awareness and a more personalised plan.
How STRAND+ Approaches Hair Loss in Hong Kong
STRAND+ uses a three-part method: Seed (follicle activation with exosome-based mesotherapy), Water (scalp conditioning with microneedle radiofrequency), and Fertilise (IV nutrient support and a daily home routine). See how STRAND+ works and review results and evidence. Individual results vary, and suitability depends on your type of hair loss.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the different types of hair loss helps you act sooner and choose the right treatment. Some alopecia types are temporary, while others need long-term care. If you are worried about your hair, start a hair assessment with STRAND+ or explore more tips on our blog.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
