Research the Many Types of Hair Loss and Find Out Which One Affects You
There are several types of hair loss so it's important to know which one is affecting to you.
Although the actual hair loss symptom may be the same, the underlying condition that causes it can differ. Your doctor or hair loss specialist should be able to tell you but this page will also help identify or eliminate several possible types that need to be considered.
The type of hair loss affecting men and women can vary.
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) affects the vast majority of men. However, this type of hair loss is also very common in women (it usually causes thinning but can also develop into female pattern baldness). This also includes menopause hair loss.
To find out which forms of hair loss apply specifically to men and women, use the following links:
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium can develop when trauma of some kind affects the body and forces hair into the resting/shedding stage of the hair growth cycle. For example, chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) may result from a long-term iron deficiency caused by years of heavy periods and/or possibly from following a vegetarian diet lacking in this mineral.
Postpartum hair loss
This is another common type of telogen effluvium. It can affect up to 50% of all women following pregnancy.
Chemotherapy hair loss
Learn about hair loss experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy.
Traction alopecia
Braids, clips, even excessive brushing or combing can take its toll on the human head of hair.
