Guide to Hair Loss Conditions - Diagnose Yourself
If you are experiencing hair loss and are not sure what is causing it, browse our hair loss conditions section below, in order to identify your problem. We provide you with descriptions of most hair loss conditions and photos so that you are able to have an idea of your diagnosis in order to understand the cause of your problem and determine the best solution. Click on the links for more details of your hair loss condition, including whether or not it can be treated and how successful treatment is likely to be.
Male Pattern Baldness
Male Pattern Baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men, and one of the most successfully treatable hair loss conditions. Male hair loss only affects areas at the top of the head, and the classic signs of Male Pattern Baldness can include some or all of the following:
- vertex thinning (losing hair from the top of the head)
- a thinning crown
- a receding hairline including around the temples (this can make the haridline take on an 'M' shape)
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female Pattern Hair Loss is a common form of hair loss in women, causing thinning on the top of the scalp. There are a number of signs of female pattern hair loss and sufferers may display any or all of the following symptoms:
- vertex thinning (general thinning of the hair on the top of the head)
- a receiding hairline (thinning of the hair around the temples)
- a thinning crown
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata hair loss characterised by sudden bald patches. In extreme cases the condition can spread to total hair loss of the scalp or body. Signs to look for when diagnosing Alopecia Areata include patchy hair loss that:
- is often circular in shape
- can appear anywhere on the head
- may also affect areas of the body, in addition to the head
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is an autoimmune condition which causes hairloss by turning your immune system against your hair follicles. Signs of Alopecia Totalis include:
- total hair loss from all over the scalp
- other facial hair, such as eyebrows and eyelashes falling out
- nails becoming brittle, thin and ridged
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is the rarest and most extreme type of Alopecia. It differs from Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Totalis in the following ways:
- causes a total loss of hair on the head and the body
- damages and distorts the nails
- those affected have a genetic mutation that is present from birth but the condition may not display until later in life
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is hair loss that is usually caused by stress or shock. Hair loss will take place around three months after the event that caused it. Signs of Telogen Effluvium include:
- increased shredding following severe stress or shock
- thinning hair
- patches of affected hair (the condition may not necessarily affect the whole scalp)
Diffuse Hair Loss | Chronic Telogen Effluvium
Diffuse Hair Loss, also known as Chronic Telogen Effluvium, causes evenly spread thinning over the top and sides of the scalp. In most cases the condition affects women, and signs include:
- excessive shedding
- general, overall hair thinning
- thinning hair that affects the whole head equally
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by excessive strain on the hair shafts causing damage to the hair follicles. The condition can be caused by tight cornrows or hair extensions, and often displays as:
- hair loss concentrated around the hairline and temples
- patchy hair loss in other areas affected by weighty hair extensions, tight braids or buns
- 'fluffy' hair in the receiding areas