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Home › Trichology for beginners › Chapter 02

Hair lossand Alopecia

The alopecia and hair loss can come given by internal or external factors in the person, although there are several types of alopecia and hair loss: AREATAS, DIFFUSE and ANDROGENETIC.

Pablo RamosUpdated 20266 min
Est. 1989 — Spain

Hair loss and alopecia can be caused by factors internal or external to the person. Although there are many types, they fall into three main groups: alopecia areata, diffuse alopecia and androgenetic alopecia. For a practical overview, see our Hair Loss Explained hub.

Group One

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA), or “bare patches”, is a fairly common form of hair loss — around 2% of the population will develop it at some point. It is a multifactorial, generally asymptomatic and non-scarring condition, defined by round or oval patches with well-defined margins between normal and affected scalp, without scaling or loss of follicular openings.

Origin · Etiopathogenesis

Why it happens

AA begins with a peribulbar inflammatory infiltrate that interrupts the follicular development cycle and eventually detaches the hair. Once the infiltrate ceases, the process is recoverable — alopecia areata can be reversible.

It is multifactorial: genetic predisposition, immune reactions and nervous factors (stress, depression, anxiety) all contribute, with a lesser role for viral processes, chronic infection foci and thyroid problems (the latter often associated with universal alopecia). It can begin at any age, with a peak between 20 and 50, and affects both sexes equally.

Suggested approach

Because alopecia areata is an immune-driven condition, it falls outside cosmetic care: the right first step is a professional assessment to understand the pattern and rule out other causes.

A personalised review helps clarify what you are dealing with before considering any routine.

Book a free assessment →
Group Two

Diffuse alopecia

Diffuse alopecia is hard to detect over a short period: more hair falls than is being born, or fewer are born than fall. By the time it becomes evident, the loss is already pronounced. This group includes post-traumatic, post-partum and menopausal, post-fever and scarring alopecia.

Diffuse · Reversible

Post-traumatic alopecia

Caused by surgery, head injuries, hats, veils or objects in permanent friction; by chemicals that irritate or alter the scalp; and by hairstyles such as buns, ponytails and braids (traction), which mainly affect the frontal and parietal areas.

Suggested approach

Remove the mechanical or chemical cause where possible, prepare and soothe the scalp, cleanse with hair-loss support shampoos, and apply a daily topical treatment to support regrowth over a sustained period.

Explore Hair Loss & Regeneration →
Diffuse · Hormonal

Post-partum & menopausal alopecia

Driven by oestrogen changes (the female hormone) and by deficits in vitamins and trace elements such as iron, calcium and magnesium. Post-partum loss appears 2–3 months after birth. This type can become irreversible if not given proper attention.

Suggested approach

Support the scalp and follicle while the hormonal cycle rebalances: scalp preparation, regular cleansing with hair-loss support shampoos, and a daily topical treatment over a sustained period.

Nutritional deficits often play a role here, so an assessment helps tailor the routine and timing.

For the menopausal side specifically, see our practical guide on menopause and hair thinning.

Explore Hair Loss & Regeneration →
Diffuse · Transient

Post-fever / infectious alopecia

Produced by an infectious process such as syphilis or tonsillitis, or after a fever above 39°C sustained for more than 15 consecutive days. The loss appears about 2 months after the febrile episode and is usually transient with proper care.

Suggested approach

As the underlying infection resolves, support the scalp through the recovery phase: gentle cleansing with hair-loss support shampoos and a daily topical treatment to encourage regrowth. Since this loss is generally transient, hair typically recovers once the body has fully recovered.

Explore Hair Loss & Regeneration →
Diffuse · Irreversible

Scarring alopecia

Here the loss is due to destruction of the hair follicles. It is generally irreversible. Causes include skin infections, burns, freezing, and destruction or cuts of the skin from accidents. Problems in skin and hair that are not caused by mechanical or chemical action usually originate, directly or indirectly, in the physical or pathological state of the person.

Suggested approach

Because the follicles are destroyed, there is no treatment that regrows hair in scarring alopecia. Care focuses on protecting the surrounding healthy scalp and hair.

If you suspect scarring alopecia, a professional assessment is essential to confirm the diagnosis and protect unaffected areas.

Book a free assessment →
Group Three

Androgenetic alopecia

The most common form, affecting a large majority of men over their lifetime. The combination of testosterone with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase produces DHT, which is highly damaging to hair: it inflames the sebaceous glands and progressively shrinks the follicle, with atrophy of the papilla in each growth cycle, ending in the scarring of the follicle and preventing regeneration.

Patterns & causes

How it progresses

There are established patterns: five for men and three for women, defined by Hamilton in 1942 and still valid today. The causes are genetic-hereditary factors, hormonal dysfunction, changes in the nervous system and, above all, the action of DHT on the follicle receptors.

Suggested approach

Androgenetic alopecia is treated in phases over several months, combining scalp preparation and regular cleansing with targeted topical treatments that evolve as the routine progresses. The goal is to support the follicular environment and the look of density for as long as the follicle remains active.

Because AGA is progressive and pattern-based, an assessment defines the right phase and timing for your case.

Explore Hair Loss & Regeneration →
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Ramos

Founder and CEO of TRICHOMEDIC LABS, S.L.U. and the lead trichologist behind SIMONE TRICHOLOGY, with more than 37 years of professional experience in hair and scalp health. Trained at the International Academy of Trichology and the Società Italiana di Tricologia.

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