What are the three main types of alopecia?

The three most common forms are most simply grouped as genetic or patterned loss (androgenetic alopecia), autoimmune patchy loss (alopecia areata), and diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium). This three-bucket framing is a useful simplification of a longer named list, which also includes anagen effluvium, traction alopecia, and the scarring forms such as frontal fibrosing alopecia.

How do I know what type of alopecia I have?

You can narrow it down by looking at the pattern. Patterned thinning suggests androgenetic alopecia, round smooth patches suggest alopecia areata, and a diffuse shed suggests telogen effluvium. Self-recognition only gets you part of the way, though. To confirm the actual finding under magnification, get a scalp analysis to identify your type.

Which alopecia is not curable?

Among the types of alopecia, the scarring forms are the ones not fully curable. Cicatricial alopecia, late-stage frontal fibrosing alopecia, and late-stage traction alopecia all replace the follicle with scar tissue, and once a follicle is gone it cannot regrow. The window that matters is early intervention before scarring sets in, while medical therapy can still calm the process.

What organ is related to hair loss?

The thyroid is the organ most commonly cited in a workup for the shedding types of alopecia, since both underactive and overactive thyroid function can trigger shedding. The gut matters too, through iron absorption and the ferritin stores it feeds, and the hormonal system through the adrenals and the ovaries. A blood panel is what untangles which of these is involved in a given case.

Can children have alopecia?

Yes, children can develop several types of alopecia. The most common in childhood are alopecia areata, traction alopecia from tight hairstyles, and telogen effluvium following an illness or a high fever. Because the right management differs by type and by age, a child showing hair loss should be evaluated clinically rather than treated with at-home remedies.

Coming soon: Types of Alopecia, a Guide to Identifying Hair Loss

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