Alopecia is a very broad term for hair
loss. There are many different types of alopecia you can end up with, all with
different symptoms and signs. Some of the most common types of Alopecia include
Male (and female) pattern baldness, Anagen Effluvian, and Scarring Alopecia.
Pattern Baldness is the most common type of hair loss, and effects most people over
the age of 50. In some cases, Pattern Baldness can affect people before this
age. Signs that you have this type of hair loss include a receding or “horseshoe”
hairline. It’s thought this type of hair loss is hereditary, meaning it runs in
the family.
If you’re hoping to regrow your hair with this type of hair loss, there
are some treatments out there that could help you, which are outlined below.
This type of hair loss is completely natural, and means that your hair is less
than likely to grow back once it has been lost.
If you are suffering from Anagen Effluvian,
you can expect hair loss nearly everywhere on the body. From the top of the
head to your face and arms, this type of hair loss is completely widespread and
is caused by treatments such as Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, such
as Radiotherapy. This type of hair loss is temporary; you can expect regrowth
once you have completed your treatment.
When your hair grows back after
experiencing this type of hair loss, it can be a different colour, texture and
feel to the hair you had before your illness. It isn’t entirely understood why
this happens to those who experience Anagen Effluvian, however there are still
ongoing studies.
Scarring Alopecia is a result of another
complication, either illness or accident. In this type of alopecia, the hair
follicles are completely destroyed, and hair will no longer grow from the
affected area. This type of hair loss is rare, and will only affect 7% of those
with hair loss issues.
Other types of hair loss diagnosis from which
your hair will grow back includes Telogen Effluvium, and Alopecia Areata. If
you are worried about your hair loss, and it’s affecting you, you can speak to
your GP about options available to you. In some cases, treatment can be
administered in order to stimulate hair follicle growth. Finasteride and
Minoxidil are two examples of this. If you’re too embarrassed to visit your
doctor, or you would like to deal with your hair loss on your own terms, you
can buy treatments for yourself online with sites such as Minoxidil2U.
Guest Article written by Gina Kay Daniel
