Genetics and the aging process cause most cases of hair loss. In fact, male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness account for the majority of hair-loss cases. Only a small percentage is attributed to other, less common, reasons. Nearly 65 percent of men can expect to fall victim to male pattern baldness before the age of 60, according to Hair Loss Learning Center. While women are not as affected by genetic hair loss as men, they are not immune. Amazingly, 40 percent of those affected by hair loss are women, according to The American Hair Loss Association.
Alopecia Areata
Small, round bald patches appear randomly in cases of alopecia areata. While it is unknown what exactly causes alopecia areata, some believe there is a link between the disorder and certain autoimmune disorders. However, many healthy people develop the condition as well. In alopecia areata, bald patches develop suddenly and randomly. After a few months, the hair starts to grow back. New patches can appear immediately or years later.
Cicatricial Alopecia
Cicatritial alopecia occurs when the scalp and hair follicles become scarred through some sort of trauma, illness or skin infection. This type of hair loss commonly follows scalp inflammations brought on by lupus, erythematosus and lichen planus.
Telogen Effluvium
Hormonal imbalances, extreme stress, surgery, malnutrition and illness can cause telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss. Brought on by extreme changes in the body, this type of hair loss occurs when the hair follicles prematurely enter a resting phase. The resting phase lasts a few months before regular hair growth patterns are restored.
Traction Alopecia
Tight hairstyles, such as braids, weaves, ponytails and twists, put a great amount of tension on the hair causing it to break close to the root. When breakage occurs, the condition is called traction alopecia. In most cases, traction alopecia can be reversed by removing the tight style. However, scarring can occur, rendering the follicles unable to produce new hair.
Trichotillomania
In trichotillomania, the hair is literally pulled out by the root. This condition leaves people with an uncontrollable urge to pull their hair out. People with this condition are known to pull out hair all over their body. Trichotillomania is considered to be a mental illness.
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