Understanding the Different Types of Hair Loss in Women
September is Alopecia Awareness Month, which means the spotlight is on education, awareness, and empowerment for those of us who live with hair loss.
When I first started navigating my own journey, I thought “alopecia” was just one thing. You either had it or you didn’t. But the truth is, there are many different types of alopecia and understanding them is the first step in getting the right support and treatment. Most people don’t even realize that alopecia is a general umbrella term that refers to any hair loss on the body, but it is most commonly associated with hair loss on the scalp.
In this post, I want to walk you through the most common types of hair loss women experience, their causes, and what treatment options exist. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your hair or you’ve been living with hair loss for years, I hope this breakdown helps you feel more informed and less alone.
Androgenic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Cause: This is the most common type of hair loss in women and is linked to genetics and hormones, particularly sensitivity to androgens (male hormones present in both men and women). It usually shows up as diffuse thinning across the crown or widening of the part. 30 million women in the U.S. alone have androgenic alopecia.
Treatments:
Minoxidil (FDA-approved topical or oral treatment)
Oral medications like spironolactone or finasteride (under doctor’s supervision)
Low-level laser therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments
Alternative hair used as supportive solutions
Alopecia Areata
Cause: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy bald spots. Hair can regrow only to fall out again in regular cycles. There is a genetic component to this condition, and 160 million people in the world will be affected by alopecia areata at some point in their lives.
Treatments:
Corticosteroid injections or topical creams
Immunotherapy treatments
JAK inhibitors (a newer class of pharmaceutical medications showing promising results)
Alopecia Totalis
Cause: An advanced form of alopecia areata where all scalp hair is lost.
Treatments: Similar to alopecia areata, though results vary. Many women explore wigs, scarves, and other forms of hair coverings as part of embracing their identity.
Alopecia Universalis
Cause: The most severe form of alopecia areata, resulting in the loss of all scalp and body hair.
Treatments: Similar to alopecia areata/totalis, but often requires emotional support alongside medical treatment because of its wide impact. This condition can also compromise health due to lack of nose hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes that protect the ears and eyes from environmental debris.
Telogen Effluvium
Cause: This is a “shedding” type of hair loss caused by a shock to the system: like childbirth, illness, major stress, surgery, or hormonal changes. Hair follicles prematurely shift into the resting phase, leading to diffuse shedding.
Treatments:
Addressing the root cause (nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalance)
Gentle hair care practices
Usually resolves within 6–12 months once the trigger is removed
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)
Cause: A rare inflammatory condition that causes scarring alopecia, meaning the hair follicles are permanently damaged.
Treatments:
Anti-inflammatory medications (oral or topical)
Immunosuppressants
Early treatment is critical to slow or stop progression
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
Cause: A scarring alopecia most common in Black women, beginning at the crown and spreading outward. Causes include inflammation, genetics, and possibly relaxers and styling practices.
Treatments:
Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory treatments
Early intervention to prevent permanent loss
Adjusting hair care practices to reduce stress on follicles
Chemo-Related Hair Loss
Cause: Chemotherapy drugs target fast-dividing cells, including hair follicle cells, leading to temporary hair loss.
Treatments:
Scalp cooling caps (to reduce hair loss during treatment)
Wigs, scarves, and hats for support
Hair usually regrows after treatment ends, though texture or thickness may change
Autoimmune-Related Hair Loss (Lupus, Hashimoto’s, etc.)
Cause: Autoimmune conditions can trigger inflammation in the scalp or disrupt hormones, both of which can contribute to thinning or patchy loss.
Treatments:
Managing the underlying autoimmune disease with a medical team
Anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating treatments
Supportive hair care practices
Traction Alopecia
Cause: Caused by chronic pulling on the hair from styles like tight braids, ponytails, extensions, or chemical treatments.
Treatments:
Stopping the pulling/stress on the hair immediately
Early stages may be reversible, but prolonged traction can lead to permanent scarring
Low-tension protective styles and hair-friendly accessories
Trichotillomania
Cause: A mental health condition where a person feels the urge to pull out their hair. It’s often tied to anxiety, stress, or compulsive behavior.
Treatments:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Support groups and habit-reversal strategies
Addressing underlying anxiety or stressors
Final Thoughts
Hair loss isn’t “one size fits all.” It’s a spectrum of conditions, each with its own causes, treatments, and challenges. What we all share, though, is the emotional journey that comes with losing our hair.
That’s why I created Hair Loss Pride- because no one should have to navigate this alone. Whether your hair loss is temporary, permanent, autoimmune-related, or unexplained, you still deserve confidence, community, and compassion.
If this post resonated with you, I invite you to connect with me and our community at Hair Loss Pride. Together, we can turn awareness into empowerment.
Photo: Fontaine Photography
