Losing your hair can feel like losing a part of yourself, especially when it happens suddenly or without explanation.

Alopecia affects millions of people and can manifest in different ways: patchy spots, gradual thinning, or total hair loss. It’s more than skin-deep—the emotional impact can be as intense as the physical.

In this blog, we’ll explain alopecia, its causes, the different types to look out for, and the treatment options available. 

What is Alopecia and What Causes It?

Alopecia is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks hair follicles. It manifests in sudden bald patches on the scalp, eyebrows, lashes, or body. It may progress to affect the entire scalp or the entire body. 

Alopecia is most commonly caused by autoimmune dysfunction, often triggered by stress or illness. Genetic disposition can also play a role.

Here are some common causes of alopecia:

• • Autoimmune reactions.  Your immune system mistakenly attacks your own hair follicles, causing them to stop producing hair. This can be triggered by stress, illness, or unknown immune dysfunction, leading to patchy hair loss or, in rare cases, total loss. 
  • Genetics. Also known as male or female pattern hair loss, this gradual hair thinning is inherited and hormonal. It’s caused by a sensitivity to DHT, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. 
  • Physical or emotional stress. A big life event can shock your system, pushing hair into the resting phase, causing temporary all-over shedding. This is common after childbirth, illness, surgery, or emotional trauma.

• Tension or trauma. Repeated tension or damage to the scalp can harm follicles over time. Tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, burns, or infections often cause this. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent hair loss.

• Hormonal imbalances. Conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, or menopause can throw off your hair cycle. These hormonal imbalances can lead to diffuse thinning or increased shedding, which can overlap with other forms of alopecia. 

Types of Alopecia

There are several different types of alopecia, including androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia, and scarring alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of genetic hair loss. It is progressive and hormone-driven, with hair becoming finer, shorter, and lighter over time.

In men, it presents as a receding hairline and crown thinning. In women, it presents as a widening part and diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp. 

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Hair loss is gradual and often runs in families. 

Alopecia treatments can slow progression and even stimulate regrowth. 

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair over time. This presents as thinning or bald spots around the neck’s hairline, temples, or nape. It’s often seen in people who wear tight ponytails, braids, weaves, or extensions. 

Traction alopecia is often caused by repeated pulling, especially with styling practices that strain the scalp. When caught early, traction alopecia is reversible, but long-term traction can cause permanent follicle damage if not addressed. 

Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia 

Scarring alopecia is a group of rare conditions in which inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. This presents as smooth, shiny bald patches where hair won’t grow back. The area may be itchy, painful, or inflamed. 

Scarring alopecia is typically caused by autoimmune diseases, infections, or severe scalp trauma. This type of alopecia needs urgent medical attention to prevent permanent hair loss, and early diagnosis is key. 

Treatment Options for Alopecia

There are several medical treatments, lifestyle approaches, and cosmetic options to treat and manage alopecia. 

Medical treatments

• Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and calm the immune response attacking the hair follicles Injections (most common), topical creams, or oral pills can help regrow patches, especially when caught early. 
• Copper peptides. Copper peptides are used to treat hair loss, specifically androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, and female-pattern hair loss. They help encourage hair growth by blocking the production of DHT and helping to prevent further hair loss.
• Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy triggers a mild allergic reaction to “distract” the immune system from attacking hair. It’s best for severe or resistant alopecia and must be done by a dermatologist. 
• JAK inhibitors. JAK inhibitors block specific immune pathways linked to alopecia areata. Delivered as oral prescription medications, they are a promising newer option to treat alopecia. 
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Laser therapy uses red light to stimulate follicle activity and blood flow. It’s typically delivered through at-home laser caps or in-office treatments. It can help with both autoimmune and hormonal forms as part of a larger plan

Holistic and lifestyle approaches 

• Nutritional support. Iron, biotin, vitamin D, or zinc deficiencies can worsen hair loss. Get bloodwork before supplementing and aim to eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet to prevent further hair loss. 
• Stress management. Stress can trigger hair loss flare-ups. Therapy, mindfulness, yoga, nervous system regulation, and adaptogens can help with stress management. 
• Essential oils and scalp care. Rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil are great oil options for scalp health. Dilute with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp 2–3 times/week to aid in the regrowth process. 

Cosmetic options

• Wigs, toppers, and hair systems. Hair loss is emotional, and these tools offer instant relief and self-expression. These options are breathable, natural-looking, and customizable to match your hair and scalp.
• Microblading / scalp micropigmentation. This creates the appearance of hair or fuller brows with semi-permanent pigment and is best for patchy loss on the scalp or brows.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for alopecia. Results can vary based on type, duration, and underlying health. Consulting with a dermatologist or trichologist is key to getting a proper diagnosis and personalized plan.

Alopecia support that’s right for you

If you’re dealing with alopecia, know this: you are not alone, and your worth is not tied to your hair. Understanding what’s going on is the first step toward feeling more in control of your hair loss. There are more options, treatments, and supportive communities than ever before. Whether you choose to treat, manage, or embrace it fully, the right path is the one that feels right for you.