Types of Hair Loss: When to Be Concerned?

Have you ever started to panic after noticing more hair than usual on your brush? You’re not alone—hair plays a significant role in personal image. But before rushing to buy every hair growth spray or shampoo on the market, let’s figure out what you’re dealing with and whether there’s a real reason for concern.

Hair Growth Phases

Before discussing hair loss and how to manage it, it’s important to understand how hair develops and what its life cycle looks like. Each hair goes through three key stages:

• Anagen Phase: The active growth stage, lasting 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics. This explains why some people can grow very long hair while others can’t.
• Catagen Phase: A brief resting phase when hair stops growing. It lasts about 2-3 weeks.
• Telogen Phase: The shedding stage when hair naturally falls out, lasting around 3 months.

Losing up to 100 hairs per day is normal. Seasonal shedding in fall and spring is also common.

To understand whether you should be concerned about hair loss, it’s essential to know the different types of hair loss and how to handle each one.

Types of Hair Loss

To understand whether you should be concerned about hair loss, you need to know the different types of hair loss and how to manage each of them.

1. Telogen Effluvium (Diffuse Hair Loss)

Hair falls out due to stress, illness, or lack of sleep, causing more hairs to enter the shedding phase.

• Signs: Even hair loss all over the scalp.
• Causes: Stress, hormonal changes, chronic fatigue, restrictive diets.
• What to Do: Manage stress, eat a balanced diet, and prioritize self-care. Hair usually returns to normal within 6 months unless shedding persists longer—then see a doctor.

2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Hereditary Hair Loss)

If hair thinning runs in your family, you might be genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Hair follicles are sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

• Signs: Thinning hair at the hairline and crown in men; widening part in women.
• Causes: Genetics and hormonal imbalances.
• What to Do: Visit a trichologist for specialized treatments and products to slow down the process.

3. Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)

This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to sudden bald patches.

• Signs: Round bald spots on the scalp or body.
• Causes: Autoimmune issues.
• What to Do: Consult a doctor. Hair may regrow naturally, but medical treatment may be needed.

4. Traction Alopecia (Mechanical Hair Loss)

Constant pulling from tight hairstyles or hair extensions can damage follicles.

• Signs: Hair loss near the hairline or areas with the most tension.
• Causes: Tight hairstyles, hair extensions.
• What to Do: Switch to looser hairstyles and reduce mechanical stress.

5. Anagen Effluvium (Sudden Hair Loss)

Hair loss occurs during the active growth phase, often due to treatments like chemotherapy.

• Signs: Sudden and widespread hair loss.
• Causes: Chemotherapy, toxic exposure.
• What to Do: Hair usually regrows after treatment ends.

What You Can Do

• Stay Calm: Stress won’t help.
• Observe: If shedding persists or bald patches appear, consult a specialist.
• Change Habits: Maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, care for your hair, and recharge yourself regularly.