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Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can occur for a variety of reasons and can manifest in different patterns. Identifying your type of hair loss is key to determining the appropriate treatment plan alongside Grow Longer® whether it’s lifestyle changes, medication or therapy. Here are the main types of hair loss:

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss): This is the most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women. In men, it’s often called male-pattern baldness characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, it’s known as female-pattern hair loss and usually involves diffuse thinning across the scalp, particularly at the crown. Cause: Genetics and hormones cause the hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to thinner hair and eventually no hair growth.

Telogen Effluvium: A temporary condition where more hair than usual enters the telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding Cause: Stress, illness, surgery, childbirth, significant weight loss, hormonal changes, or certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, beta-blockers). It usually occurs about 2-3 months after a triggering event.

Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. It can occur on the scalp or other parts of the body. Cause: The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that may have genetic and environmental triggers.

Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by repetitive tension or pulling on the hair over a prolonged period. It commonly affects areas where the hair is pulled tightly, such as the edges of the scalp. Cause: Tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, buns, or extensions. Over time, this tension can damage the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss if not addressed.

Anagen Effluvium: Hair loss during the anagen (growth) phase, typically affecting the entire scalp and sometimes other body hair. Cause: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or exposure to toxic chemicals. These treatments target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles, leading to rapid hair loss. 

Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia): A group of rare disorders where inflammation damages the hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. It may occur in patches or more diffusely. Cause: The cause varies depending on the specific disorder but it involves inflammation and scarring of the scalp.

Trichotillomania: A psychological condition characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one’s own hair, resulting in noticeable hair loss, usually in patches. Cause: It is considered a type of impulse control disorder, often triggered by stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.

Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp that can cause patchy hair loss, scaling, and sometimes redness or swelling. Cause: Dermatophyte fungi, commonly affecting children but also seen in adults.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Hair loss due to a lack of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin D or protein. Cause: Poor diet, malnutrition, eating disorders, or underlying health conditions that affect nutrient absorption

Hormonal Hair Loss: Loss caused by hormonal changes or imbalances often seen during pregnancy, postpartum, menopause or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cause: Fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone or thyroid hormones can disrupt the hair growth cycle.