Hair loss sufferers are commonly diagnosed with a condition called ALOPECIA. Most times, when diagnosed with this condition, sufferers don’t know what the term means. They understand that it is the common term used to define hair loss, but for most, that is not enough. The term is very vague and often offers no resolve or insight into what’s going on. The purpose of this post is to offer a better understanding of the condition.
Let me began with Alopecia Areata. This type of Alopecia can be best defined as patchy hair loss. Bald spots are commonly found all over the head in small patches. This type of Alopecia or hair loss is on set by stress. This type of Alopecia does not just affect the hair on your head. It can affect the hair on your whole body. Although there are other causes for Areata Alopecia, this type of hair loss is treatable, not excluding medical reasons. If gone untreated, it can result in Alopecia Totalis.
Alopecia Totalis can be best defined as complete and TOTAL hair loss of the head. The progression of this hair loss can be fast or slow. This type of Alopecia is treatable. Alopecia Universalis can be defined as hair loss over the entire body, including the eyebrows and lashes. This form of Alopecia is rare but treatable (Blown Away Salon & Hair restoration Studio, deals mainly with the head).
Alopecia Barbe or hair loss of the beard is a real thing! Men who suffer from hair loss, mostly genetic, can lose the hair in their beards. Most men would rather have this happen versus losing the hair on their heads. Either way, this type of Alopecia is treatable.
The most common and familiar type of Alopecia is androgenic. This Alopecia causes miniaturization of the hair strand, which we commonly call hair thinning. Thinning or loss of density is commonly recognized by receding in the hairline, temple, and the hair loss in the crown. This type of hair loss is treatable.
Postpartum Alopecia is more common than people know. It often occurs times after women give birth. It is a mild condition of hair loss for some women, and for some, it is severe and extremely noticeable. Often after hormones shift and re-adjust, hair loss stops, hair growth reoccurs and continues as normal.
Traction Alopecia, unfortunately, is more common than not. This type of hair loss occurs when constantly wearing your hair in really tight styles like braids, weaves, improper wig fitting, etc., causes hair loss. Traction Alopecia can be treated but will turn into permanent hair loss if gone untreated more often than not.
Cicatricial Alopecia or Scarring Alopecia is rare but occurs when hair follicles are destroyed or inflamed. While healing, the follicle is replaced by scar tissue under the follicle, destroying it and the sebaceous glands. Cicatricial Alopecia or Scarring Alopecia is caused by improper use of chemicals and burning of the scalp with products such as lightener, relaxers, keratin, color, perms, etc. I often see Cicatricial Alopecia or Scarring Alopecia in clients who care for their hair at home with products purchased from non-professional sites or stores. These types of Alopecia are nonreversible and untreatable.
Alopecia is the broad term used to describe hair loss. Although difficult to deal with in most cases, it is very treatable. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from Alopecia in any form, early prevention with treatment produces the best results. Book your consultation today.