Hair Loss Conditions Explained
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, but it describes a group of conditions rather than a single disease. Some forms are temporary and reversible, while others may permanently damage the hair follicles. Understanding the cause of hair loss is one of the most important steps before considering medication, PRP treatment or a hair transplant.
At Glasgow Hair Transplant Clinics, every patient is assessed by Dr Harpreet Kalra. The consultation focuses on identifying the underlying cause of hair loss before discussing suitable treatment options. This helps ensure patients receive evidence-based advice rather than unnecessary surgery.
Quick Navigation
Understanding hair loss
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It is not a single condition but a group of disorders that affect the normal hair growth cycle. Hair loss may develop gradually over many years or appear suddenly within days or weeks, depending on the underlying cause. Some forms of alopecia are temporary and reversible, while others can permanently damage the hair follicles and result in irreversible hair loss.
Accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment varies significantly between different types of alopecia. Some patients benefit from medication, others may respond to lifestyle changes or PRP Therapy, while suitable candidates with stable hair loss may achieve excellent results with a FUE Hair Transplant or DHI Hair Transplant.
The most common type
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Overview
Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It develops gradually due to a combination of inherited genetics and sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, affected hair follicles become progressively smaller, producing finer and shorter hairs until growth eventually stops.
Men usually experience recession around the temples followed by thinning of the crown, whereas women typically notice diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp while often retaining the frontal hairline.
Typical Signs
- Gradual hair thinning
- Receding hairline
- Crown hair loss
- Miniaturised hairs
- Family history of hair loss
- Progressive pattern over time
Treatment Options
- Medical assessment
- Hair loss medication where appropriate
- Topical or oral Minoxidil
- PRP Therapy
- Lifestyle advice
- Long-term monitoring
Patients considering medication can also learn more about our Hair Loss Medication options.
Hair Transplant Suitability
Patients with stable Androgenetic Alopecia and a healthy donor area are often suitable candidates for modern hair restoration surgery. Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve FUE, DHI or, in selected cases, FUT Hair Transplant.
During your consultation, Dr Harpreet Kalra will assess donor density, future hair loss risk, age and expectations before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan.
Autoimmune Hair Loss
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. It usually causes sudden round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard or eyebrows. The follicles remain alive, meaning hair often regrows naturally.
Common Symptoms
- Round or oval bald patches
- Rapid hair loss
- Healthy-looking scalp
- Eyebrow or beard involvement
- May recur
- Can affect any age
Treatment
Treatment depends on disease activity. Many patients recover naturally while others benefit from dermatologist-led medical treatment.
Hair transplantation is generally postponed until the condition has remained stable for a prolonged period.
Temporary Hair Shedding
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium causes widespread shedding rather than isolated bald patches. It commonly develops several weeks after illness, surgery, emotional stress, childbirth or rapid weight loss and is usually temporary.
Common Causes
- Stress
- Major illness
- Surgery
- Pregnancy
- Iron deficiency
- Rapid weight loss
- Medication
- Vitamin deficiency
Recovery
Most patients notice improvement within three to six months once the underlying trigger has been treated.
Hair transplantation is rarely necessary because the follicles usually recover naturally.
Comparison
Alopecia Areata vs Telogen Effluvium
Alopecia Areata
- Pattern: Round patches
- Cause: Autoimmune
- Permanent: Usually no
- Hair transplant: Avoid during active disease
- Recovery: Variable
Telogen Effluvium
- Pattern: Diffuse shedding
- Cause: Hair growth cycle disruption
- Permanent: Usually no
- Hair transplant: Rarely required
- Recovery: Often within months
Key Difference
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing localised bald patches, whereas Telogen Effluvium causes widespread shedding following a trigger such as illness, stress or surgery. Correct diagnosis is essential because treatment differs significantly.
Scarring Alopecia
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is a progressive form of scarring alopecia that most commonly affects women after the menopause, although younger women and men can also develop the condition. Hair loss usually begins along the frontal hairline and temples before gradually progressing backwards. Many patients also notice thinning or complete loss of the eyebrows.
Typical Symptoms
- Slowly receding frontal hairline
- Eyebrow thinning or loss
- Scalp redness
- Burning or itching
- Permanent follicle damage
- Shiny scarred skin in advanced cases
Treatment Options
The priority is stopping disease progression before significant permanent hair loss develops. Treatment often involves prescription medication under specialist supervision together with regular review appointments.
Hair transplantation may be considered only when the condition has remained inactive for a prolonged period and careful assessment confirms that surgery is appropriate.
Inflammatory hair loss
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is another form of inflammatory scarring alopecia. The immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, causing inflammation that eventually replaces follicles with scar tissue. Once a follicle has been destroyed it cannot naturally regrow hair.
Symptoms
- Persistent scalp itching
- Burning sensation
- Pain or tenderness
- Patchy permanent hair loss
- Red inflamed follicles
- Scalp scaling
Management
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing further follicle destruction. Patients usually require ongoing review before any hair restoration procedure can be considered.
Hair transplantation is only considered after long-term stability has been confirmed.
Hair loss affecting Afro-textured hair
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) most commonly affects women with Afro-textured hair. Hair loss typically begins at the crown before gradually spreading outwards. As CCCA is a scarring alopecia, untreated disease may permanently destroy the follicles.
Risk Factors
- Afro-textured hair
- Family history
- Inflammatory scalp disease
- Certain styling practices
- Delayed diagnosis
Treatment
Early diagnosis is extremely important. Treatment usually focuses on controlling inflammation and preventing further hair loss before discussing surgical restoration.
Patients with stable disease may later be assessed for an FUE Hair Transplant, depending on donor area quality and scalp health.
Preventable hair loss
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia develops when repeated tension damages the hair follicles. Tight hairstyles, braids, cornrows, buns, extensions and certain wigs can gradually weaken the follicles over many years. Unlike inflammatory alopecias, Traction Alopecia can often be prevented by changing styling habits before permanent damage occurs.
Common Causes
- Tight ponytails
- Braids and cornrows
- Hair extensions
- Heavy wigs
- Repeated tension styling
- Chemical damage combined with tension
Can a Hair Transplant Help?
If traction has permanently destroyed the follicles and the condition has stabilised, carefully planned hair restoration may successfully restore affected areas such as the temples, frontal hairline and sideburns.
Patients considering surgery can learn more about our Hairline Hair Transplant procedures or arrange a consultation with Dr Harpreet Kalra.
Hair loss caused by medical treatment
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen Effluvium is a rapid form of hair loss that occurs when the actively growing hair follicles are interrupted. It is most commonly associated with chemotherapy, certain medications, radiation therapy and exposure to toxins. Unlike many other forms of alopecia, hair loss often develops within days or weeks of treatment.
Common Causes
- Chemotherapy treatment
- Radiotherapy
- Certain prescription medications
- Toxin exposure
- Rare medical disorders
Recovery Outlook
For many patients, hair begins to regrow once treatment has finished. Regrowth may initially appear finer, lighter or curlier before gradually returning towards its previous appearance.
Hair transplantation is usually unnecessary unless permanent follicle damage has occurred.
Treatment overview
Treatment Options for Different Types of Alopecia
The most appropriate treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. There is no single treatment that works for every type of alopecia, which is why a thorough consultation is recommended before deciding on medication or surgery.
| Condition | Medication | PRP | Hair Transplant | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Androgenetic Alopecia | ✓ Often recommended | ✓ Selected patients | ✓ Usually suitable | Excellent when planned correctly |
| Alopecia Areata | ✓ Medical management | Sometimes | ✗ During active disease | Often regrowth possible |
| Telogen Effluvium | Depends on cause | Selected cases | Rarely required | Usually temporary |
| FFA / LPP | ✓ Often required | Sometimes | Only when stable | Prevent progression |
| CCCA | ✓ Often required | Selected patients | Only when stable | Variable |
| Traction Alopecia | Sometimes | Sometimes | ✓ Often suitable | Good when stabilised |
| Anagen Effluvium | Treat underlying cause | Rarely | Rarely required | Often regrowth occurs |
When is a hair transplant suitable?
Can Every Type of Alopecia Be Treated with a Hair Transplant?
Patients Who May Be Suitable
- Stable Androgenetic Alopecia
- Stable Traction Alopecia
- Selected stable scarring alopecias
- Healthy donor area
- Realistic expectations
- Good general health
Patients Who Usually Need Medical Treatment First
- Active Alopecia Areata
- Active FFA
- Active Lichen Planopilaris
- Active CCCA
- Acute Telogen Effluvium
- Recent chemotherapy-related hair loss
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Alopecia FAQs
What is the most common type of alopecia?
Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common type of alopecia. It affects millions of people worldwide and usually develops gradually over many years.
Can every type of alopecia be treated with a hair transplant?
No. Hair transplantation is most suitable for stable forms of hair loss such as Androgenetic Alopecia and selected cases of Traction Alopecia. Active inflammatory or autoimmune conditions usually require medical treatment before surgery is considered.
Is alopecia always permanent?
No. Conditions such as Telogen Effluvium and many cases of Alopecia Areata may recover naturally or respond to medical treatment. Scarring alopecias, however, can cause permanent follicle destruction if left untreated.
Can stress cause alopecia?
Yes. Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger Telogen Effluvium, leading to increased hair shedding several weeks after the triggering event.
How is alopecia diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves reviewing your medical history, examining the scalp, assessing your pattern of hair loss and, where appropriate, arranging blood tests or referral to a dermatologist.
When should I seek professional advice?
If you notice sudden hair loss, patchy bald areas, scalp pain, excessive shedding or progressive thinning, arranging an assessment can help identify the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Related Hair Loss Guides
Continue Learning
You may also find these guides helpful while researching hair loss and hair restoration treatments.
This guide has been medically reviewed to ensure it reflects current understanding of common hair loss conditions and modern hair restoration techniques. Every patient is different, and treatment recommendations should always be based on an individual clinical assessment.
Ready to take the next step?
Book Your Hair Loss Assessment in Glasgow
If you're experiencing hair loss and are unsure which type of alopecia you have, a professional assessment is the safest place to start. Dr Harpreet Kalra will assess your scalp, donor area, medical history and pattern of hair loss before recommending the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances.
Last medically reviewed: July 2026
Content reviewed by Dr Harpreet Kalra.