What Type of Hair Loss Do I Have?

There are many different types of hair loss, and each present different patterns of shedding and their own unique symptoms. At The Belgravia Centre we regularly treat a wide range of hair loss conditions. Our hair loss experts can identify the specific type of hair loss you are suffering from, and tailor a hair loss treatment programme for you accordingly.

As a succinct guide to help you identify the nature and cause of your hairloss, we've outlined the most common hair loss conditions and how to identify them:

Male Pattern Baldness

is a type of genetic hairloss, also known as Androgenic Alopecia. It is a common hairloss condition affecting adult men. The condition is often characterised by a receding hairline or gradual thinning of hair on the crown. The main identifying attribute to Male Pattern Baldness is that it only affects the top of the scalp, so if you are experiencing hair loss round the sides it is down to something else.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female Pattern Hair Loss is also a type of genetic hair loss, common amongst women in their thirties and onwards. Unlike the male equivalent of the condition, women's hair loss generally does not result in baldness. Hair loss from the condition usually takes the form of diffuse thinning and like Male Pattern Baldness, only affects the top of the scalp.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is caused by a dysfunction of the auto-immune system, and has been strongly linked to periods of stress and shock. Hair loss from the condition is identifiable by bald patches appearing throughout the scalp and otherwise patchy hair loss.

Traction Alopecia

is a wholly avoidable form of hair loss. It is caused by excessive tension and pulling on the hair. The most common causes of the condition are tightly worn hairstyles such as braids and cornrows, while it can also be caused by over-processing the hair with chemicals such as peroxide bleach. Traction Alopecia results in patchy hair loss which is localised around the areas that experience the most tension.

Telogen Effluvium

is often caused by stress or changes within the body such as those that take place during pregnancy or changing certain types of medication. The condition causes more hair follicles than usual to enter the resting (telogen) phase, and is not usually noticed until months after onset. It is characterised by excessive shedding of the hair in a short space of time, leading to thinning and balding.

Diffuse hair loss

is a condition which can be caused by a range of different factors. It mainly affects women and leads to a general thinning of the hair over the whole scalp. The hair loss itself often points towards underlying medical factors or nutritional deficiencies.

All of the above conditions are usually treatable with a tailored programme of hair loss products and ongoing monitoring by a hair loss expert. However in some cases the likelihood of treatment being successful is largely dependent on taking action before the hair loss has become too severe, so it may be imperative to seek help as soon as possible.

For further help diagnosing your hair loss condition and to find out how The Belgravia Centre can help you re-grow your hair, contact us today for a free consultation, or fill in our online diagnostic form for a home-use treatment programme anywhere in the world.