Common Hair Loss Terms

Alopecia: The loss of hair as a result of stress, illness, functional disorder, or hereditary disposition. This is the medical term for hair loss.

Alopecia Areata: A hair loss disease that causes sudden smooth, circular patches of hair loss. It is thought that it is caused by the body forming antibodies against some hair follicles.

Alopecia Totalis: A condition that results in no hair on the scalp. It may begin as Alopecia areata or some other cause.

Alopecia Universalis: A condition that results in no hair on any part of the body; this includes eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp hair. It may develop as alopecia areata or result from another cause.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Hair loss resulting from a genetic predisposition. Also termed female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness, hereditary alopecia, and common baldness.

Female Pattern Baldness (FPB): Progressive thinning of hair throughout the entire head caused by genes, age, and hormones. It usually develops at a much slower rate than male pattern baldness.

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB): Rapid hair loss caused by hormones, genes, and age. It affects the central and frontal area of the scalp and often results in a pronounced U-shape configuration.

Anagen Effluvium: Loss of hair that is supposed to be in the anagen or growing phase. This is the type of hair loss that is associated with chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Scarring or Cicatricial Alopecia: Permanent hair loss caused by rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle and replace it with scar tissue.

Folliculitis: A skin condition that inflames the hair follicles. It is usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, sometimes requiring an antibiotic. Severe cases can cause permanent scarring Alopecia.

Telogen Effluvium: The second most common form of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia is the first). A condition that causes an increased number of hairs to enter the telogen or resting phase. The excessive hair loss usually occurs in response to various stresses such as emotional trauma, post-pregnancy and illness, major surgery, and certain medications. Telogen effluvium can be delayed (occurring a few months after the stressful incident) or chronic.

Temporal Recession: Hair loss in the temple region.

Traction Alopecia: This refers to hair loss that occurs due to traction placed on hair. Traction alopecia is commonly seen with braids, ponytails, and other hairstyles that create traction on the scalp.

Trichotillomania: A type of alopecia caused by the constant pulling and twirling of a specific area of the scalp. The hair loss usually improves once the habit is stopped; however, in some severe cases, it is permanent.