5 Types of Hair Loss: How to Recognise the Difference

Hair loss can be confusing.

You might notice more hair in your brush, a wider part, a smaller ponytail or a patch of scalp that wasn’t visible before — but not all hair loss is the same.

There are many different types of hair loss, and understanding the pattern can provide important clues about what may be happening.

At Crown Thairapy Co., we believe education comes first. Before looking at hair-growth treatments, it’s important to understand whether you’re experiencing increased shedding, reduced density, or signs that may require medical assessment.

Here are five types of hair loss we think everyone should know about.

1. Androgenetic Alopecia — Pattern Hair Loss

Pattern hair loss is one of the most common forms of hair thinning.

In women, it often presents as gradual thinning through the part and crown, with increasing visibility of the scalp. The individual hairs can also become finer over time.

You may notice:

• A widening centre part

• More visible scalp around the crown

• A smaller or less dense ponytail

• Hair becoming progressively finer

• Gradual reduction in overall density

Pattern hair loss tends to develop gradually rather than appearing suddenly.

Because it can progress over time, noticing the early signs and seeking appropriate advice can be important.

2. Telogen Effluvium — Increased Hair Shedding

Telogen effluvium is different from gradual pattern thinning.

Instead, the main symptom is often increased hair shedding.

You may suddenly notice significantly more hair coming out when you wash or brush your hair.

It can occur after a physical or emotional trigger, such as:

• Significant stress

• Illness or infection

• Pregnancy or hormonal changes

• Rapid weight loss

• Major surgery

• Other significant changes within the body

The timing can sometimes be confusing because increased shedding may become noticeable weeks or months after the original trigger.

If you’re experiencing persistent or significant shedding, it’s worth discussing it with your GP so potential underlying causes can be investigated.

3. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata often looks very different from general thinning or shedding.

It can cause sudden, clearly defined round or oval patches of hair loss.

The scalp within the patch may look relatively normal, and some people can develop multiple patches.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition and can affect other areas of hair growth, including the eyebrows and eyelashes.

🚩 When should you seek help?

If you suddenly develop a clearly defined bald patch, don’t simply assume it’s stress or ordinary hair shedding.

A GP or dermatologist can assess the area and determine what may be causing the hair loss.

4. Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated or prolonged tension on the hair follicles.

It can be associated with hairstyles such as:

• Very tight ponytails

• Tight braids

• Extensions

• Certain upstyles

• Repeated pulling around the hairline

Early traction alopecia can sometimes improve when the source of tension is removed.

However, prolonged traction can damage the follicles, which is why recognising the signs early is important.

Look particularly around the hairline and temples for areas where the hair is becoming less dense or broken.

If you regularly wear extensions or styles that create tension, giving your scalp and hair a break can be an important part of protecting your follicles.

5. Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia refers to a group of hair-loss conditions where inflammation can damage and destroy hair follicles.

This is one of the reasons it’s so important not to assume every case of hair loss is simply a cosmetic issue.

Possible warning signs can include:

• Smooth or shiny areas of scalp

• Changes to the normal appearance of follicle openings

• Redness or inflammation

• Scaling or crusting

• Burning, itching or tenderness

• Permanent-looking areas of hair loss

🚩 This requires medical assessment.

Once a hair follicle has been permanently destroyed, it cannot simply be stimulated back into producing a new hair.

If scarring alopecia is suspected, timely assessment by a GP or dermatologist is important.

So, How Do You Know Which Type You Have?

One of the easiest places to start is by looking at three things: pattern, scalp and timeline.

PATTERN

Is the hair loss:

Diffuse?

Spread across the scalp?

Gradual?

Developing over months or years?

Patchy?

Appearing as clearly defined areas?

Around the hairline?

Potentially associated with tension or styling?

SCALP

Does your scalp look healthy?

Or are you noticing:

• Redness

• Scaling

• Crusting

• Pain

• Burning

• Inflammation

• Smooth or shiny areas

Changes to the scalp can be an important reason to seek medical advice.

TIMELINE

Think about when you first noticed the change.

Was it sudden?

Did it happen after an illness, significant stress, pregnancy or weight change?

Or has the density gradually decreased over several years?

These details can help build a much clearer picture.

Shedding vs Thinning — And Why It Matters

Remember our first article?

Shedding = more hair coming out.

Thinning = less hair density.

You can also experience both at the same time.

That’s why looking at the overall picture is much more useful than simply counting how many hairs you lose in the shower.

Where Does Scalp Care Fit In?

Healthy scalp care is an important part of maintaining healthy hair, but scalp care isn’t a diagnosis or a cure for every type of hair loss.

Some forms of hair loss may benefit from professional hair and scalp treatments designed to support the scalp environment and existing follicles.

Other forms require investigation and treatment of an underlying medical, hormonal or nutritional cause.

And some conditions should be medically assessed before beginning any hair-growth treatment.

At Crown Thairapy Co., our approach is simple:

Understand first. Treat second.

We want our clients to feel comfortable talking about changes they’re seeing in their hair and scalp, without feeling pressured into a treatment that may not be appropriate for them.

When Should You See Your GP or Dermatologist?

Consider seeking medical advice if your hair loss is:

• Sudden or severe

• Appearing in clearly defined bald patches

• Associated with pain, burning or significant itching

• Accompanied by redness, crusting or inflammation

• Creating smooth or shiny areas of scalp

• Progressively worsening without an obvious explanation

• Associated with other changes in your health

A medical professional can investigate potential underlying causes and determine whether further testing or specialist assessment is appropriate.

Your Hair Loss Deserves to Be Understood

Hair loss can be incredibly emotional, especially when you don’t understand why it’s happening.

The good news is that recognising the pattern is the first step.

Whether you’re experiencing increased shedding, gradual thinning, patchy hair loss or changes to your scalp, don’t feel like you have to figure it out alone.

At Crown Thairapy Co., we’re passionate about scalp health, healthy hair and educating our clients about their options.

And we’re only just getting started with our hair-loss education series.

Keep an eye on the Crown journal and our socials as we explore hair growth, scalp health and professional treatment options in more detail.

Because healthy hair starts at the scalp. 🤎

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis or substitute for medical advice. Hair loss can have many different causes. If you are experiencing sudden, severe, patchy or unexplained hair loss, or changes to your scalp, we recommend speaking with your GP or an appropriately qualified medical professional.