There are several types of non-scarring hair loss. These types of hair loss are not typically permanent; however, if left untreated, these forms of alopecia can eventually lead to permanent loss.
Telogen Effluvium
The hair grows in three phases - 1. Anagen (growing) 2. Catagen (resting) 3. Telogen (shedding). Normally, 85-90% of the scalp hair is in the anagen phase, 2-3% is in catagen, and 10-15% is in telogen. Therefore, we should normally shed 100-150 hairs daily. However, if a stressor occurs (i.e. thyroid abnormality, iron deficiency, hormonal changes, medication change, pregnancy, hospitalization, or serious illness), up to 4-6 months later, the hair cycle can shift so that 20-40% of the scalp hair sheds or enters the telogen effluvium. This is usually manifested as significant shedding and decreased overall thickness of the hair. This entity is typically temporary, with the hair shifting back to normal cycling 6-12 months after the inciting stressor has been resolved. Rarely, telogen effluvium can be‘idiopathic’, meaning no cause is found and may be chronic.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss are the most recognizable forms of hair loss. Without treatment, the hair loss can become permanent. This entity leads to progressive miniaturization of the hairs in the affected area with each hair cycle, until the hair can no longer grow back. The best treatment of androgenetic alopecia is preventative!! It is best to prevent or slow down the hair loss, than to wait until the hair loss becomes noticeable to the public. At that point, it is more difficult to achieve regrowth with medication and may warrant treatment with surgical hair restoration.
Alopecia Areata
This entity is a less common form of non- scarring alopecia. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, in which the immune system attacks the bulb of the hair follicle, causing the hair to fall out. It can leave large completely bald circular patches or diffusely bald areas.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is typically loss around the hairline caused by tight hairstyling practices, such as tight ponytails, braids, weaves, and dreads. The tight hairstyles cause tenderness and inflammation around the hair follicles. Without stopping the inciting problem and treating the hair loss, traction alopecia can eventually lead to permanent, scarring hair loss.
To determine which type of non-scarring hair loss is affecting you, contact KMC Hair Center at 913-631-6330 and speak with our team.
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