Types and Causes of Alopecia and Hair Loss Explained
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 26 Sep 2012 - Updated: 5 Jul 2026
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - FAQ's - Insights, Updates - Related Publications
Synopsis: This information outlines the principal types of alopecia and how each form of hair loss differs in its cause, appearance, and effect on the body, ranging from androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis, through to less familiar forms including traction alopecia, chignon alopecia, hypotrichosis, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, lichen planopilaris, trichorrhexis nodosa, and folliculitis - drawing on clinical descriptions and the editorial expertise of a long-standing disability advocate, which makes it especially useful for anyone trying to identify their own pattern of hair loss, as well as caregivers supporting seniors and people with disabilities who may be more prone to certain forms of the condition, and it helps clarify when medical advice is warranted and how further loss might be managed or prevented.
At a Glance
- 1 - Ophiasis is a form of alopecia areata in which hair is lost in a wave-like band around the head.
- 2 - Most people shed roughly 75 to 100 strands of hair each day, with a growth cycle lasting about 2 to 6 years and regrowth in around twelve weeks.
- 3 - Alopecia universalis leaves areas such as the nasal cavity, eyes, and scalp exposed, so those affected must take extra care to guard against sun, bacteria, and other harmful elements.
- Topic Definition: Alopecia
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss from the scalp or body, whether partial or complete, temporary or permanent. It covers a broad range of conditions with distinct causes, including hereditary pattern baldness, autoimmune responses that attack the hair follicles, physical tension on the hair shaft, compulsive pulling, infection, and disruptions to the normal hair growth cycle brought on by illness or stress. Because the underlying reasons differ so widely, alopecia is grouped into named types, such as androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia, each defined by its pattern of loss and the mechanism responsible for it.
Introduction
It's a common situation for most of us to shed around 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. The typical hair growth cycle of a person can last around 2 to 6 years and the scalp can regrow fresh hairs in approximately twelve weeks. On the other hand, lots of people will shed more than 100 strands of hair per day. Sadly there is an increasing number of males and females who experience baldness and the numbers are increasing every day. There are different types of hair loss, listed below are the most common.
Main Content
Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic Alopecia is a common type of hair loss that affects both men and women. It is also known as male pattern baldness for men, described as the loss or thinning of hair on the head's crown or hairline shrinking from the temples.
A U-shaped hair pattern around the back and sides of the head normally stays or hair may keep on falling out, leading to complete baldness as time passes.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is a condition generated when the immune system of the body targets the hair follicles and disturbs the natural hair growth and formation. It is still unknown what causes it, but it seems to be an anomaly wherein the immune system targets specific body tissues. Biopsies of the skin affected reveal immune cells within the follicles of hair, when they are not present normally.
Alopecia areata is oftentimes linked to other autoimmune conditions like ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vitiligo, thyroid disease and allergic disorders. Alopecia areata in some cases happens in several members of the family, indicating a role of heredity and genes.
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is the most advanced type of alopecia and it is described as the total hair loss all over the body.
Because absence of hairs in the body leaves areas like nasal cavity, eyes and scalp very exposed, it is very important that those with this condition take special care to guard themselves from the bacteria, sun and other extremely dangerous elements.
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is an auto-immune disorder resulting in total hair loss, but on the scalp only. It is a condition intermediary between alopecia areata and alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis normally shows up in two types:
- First being a fairly quick and complete hair loss in the head.
- Second being a slower type which starts as patchy loss (alopecia areata) and develops to total hair loss in the scalp.
Ophiasis
Ophiasis is a type of alopecia areata wherein the loss of hair happens in a wave-like shape surrounding the head.
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition resulting from damage to the hair follicle and papilla from continuous tension or pulling over a lengthy period of time. It usually happens in people who put on braids that are tight particularly "cornrows" that result in pulling, high tension and hair breakage.
It can also be a consequence of cosmetic surgery that generates hair tension, like facelifts.
Chignon Alopecia
Chignon Alopecia is a type of traction alopecia wherein hair loss takes place at the crown of the head. It usually happens when the hair is shaped or styled in a tight bundle for a very long time period. This is typically common in ballet dancers.
Hypotrichosis
Hypotrichosis is a condition where there is absolutely no hair growth. As opposed to alopecia, where previously there was growth of hair, hypotrichosis on the other hand occurs where there was no growth of hair to begin with.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a loss of hair that occurs when the hair follicles are pushed prematurely in the growth's resting stage by illness or stress.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a disorder where an individual pulls their hair compulsively, leading to observable hair loss.
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen Planopilaris is a disease that commonly affects the mouth and skin. It can lead to irritation, redness and permanent hair loss in some cases.
Trichorrhexis nodosa
Trichorrhexis nodosa is a hair fiber defect seen as a swelling and fraying nodes in specific spots down the hair fiber's length due to the lack of a cuticle layer.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a bacterial condition that causes irritation to the hair follicles and is probably one of the most familiar kinds of skin infection. Even though it is generally insignificant, it can generate substantial disease. It can be deep or superficial, and leads to the development of an inflammatory nodule encircling the hair. Hairs that are infected can be removed easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alopecia areata contagious?
No, alopecia areata cannot be passed from person to person because it is an autoimmune condition in which the body's own immune system targets the hair follicles rather than an infection. Although it may appear in several members of one family, that reflects a genetic predisposition rather than any risk of transmission through contact.
Can hair regrow after alopecia totalis or universalis?
Regrowth is possible but unpredictable, since these advanced autoimmune forms can spontaneously improve in some people while remaining stable or worsening in others. Because the follicles are often not permanently destroyed, hair may return, though there is no guaranteed timeline and outcomes vary widely from one individual to another.
How is traction alopecia prevented?
The most effective step is easing the constant tension placed on the hair, which means avoiding very tight braids, cornrows, ponytails, and buns worn for long periods. Rotating hairstyles, loosening styles, and giving the scalp regular breaks can protect the follicle and papilla before the pulling causes lasting breakage or damage.
What is the difference between hypotrichosis and other forms of alopecia?
Hypotrichosis describes hair that never grew in a given area in the first place, so there is no loss of previously existing hair. Most other forms of alopecia, by contrast, involve the shedding or thinning of hair that had already grown normally, which is the key distinction between the two conditions.
Is the folliculitis that affects hair follicles serious?
Folliculitis is usually minor and involves bacterial irritation around the follicles, often appearing as small inflamed nodules from which infected hairs are easily removed. Even so, it can occasionally lead to more significant disease when it goes deeper, so persistent, spreading, or painful cases are worth having assessed by a medical professional.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Recognizing the different forms of alopecia matters for more than appearance, since the cause behind hair loss often points toward the right course of action, whether that means adjusting a hairstyle that pulls on the follicles, addressing an underlying autoimmune or bacterial condition, or simply understanding that a temporary shed may resolve on its own - and for older adults and people already managing a disability, that clarity can ease worry and prompt a timely conversation with a medical professional before the loss progresses further.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.