The Complete Guide to Alopecia: Types, Causes and Wigs for Hair Loss
What's In This Article
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most common types of alopecia and hair loss, what they can look like, what may cause them and whether hair can grow back. We’ll also explain the difference between scarring and non-scarring hair loss and point you towards our more detailed guides where you can learn more about individual conditions.
Types of Alopecia at a Glance
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What Causes Alopecia?
Alopecia is a general medical term for hair loss rather than one specific condition. Hair loss can range from gradual thinning to small patches of missing hair or, in some cases, complete loss of scalp and body hair.
It can affect people of all ages and genders. There are also many possible causes. Some forms of alopecia are associated with the immune system, some are hereditary, while others may be related to illness, medical treatment, physical or emotional stress, or repeated tension on the hair.
If you’re experiencing unexplained hair loss, it’s important to speak to your GP rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.
There isn’t one single cause of alopecia. Different types of hair loss can develop for very different reasons, which is why getting the right diagnosis is so important.
- Autoimmune causes
Conditions such as alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, interrupting normal hair growth. - Genetic and hormonal causes
Androgenetic alopecia, often called female or male pattern hair loss, is strongly influenced by genetics and hormones and usually develops gradually over time. - Scarring and inflammatory causes
Conditions such as frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris and CCCA involve inflammation around the hair follicles. This can lead to scarring and, in some cases, permanent hair loss if the follicles are damaged. - Changes to the hair-growth cycle
Telogen effluvium can occur when a larger-than-usual number of hairs move into the shedding phase. This may follow illness, stress, surgery, hormonal changes, nutritional problems or other physical changes. - Treatment-related hair loss
Some medical treatments, particularly certain chemotherapy drugs, can affect rapidly growing hair cells and cause hair loss. The amount and pattern of hair loss can vary depending on the treatment. - Repeated tension on the hair
Traction alopecia can develop when the hair is repeatedly pulled or placed under tension, for example through tight hairstyles, extensions or braids. If caught early, hair may recover, but prolonged tension can sometimes cause permanent damage. - Hair pulling
Trichotillomania is a condition involving repeated urges to pull out hair. It is different from autoimmune alopecia, but it can still lead to noticeable areas of hair loss.
Understanding the Different Types of Alopecia
There are many forms of hair loss. Here are some of the types you may come across.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is commonly known as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss. It’s a common form of hereditary hair loss and tends to develop gradually.
In men, it may cause a receding hairline or thinning around the crown. In women, it more commonly appears as gradual thinning across the top and crown of the scalp, sometimes with a widening parting. The extent and pattern of hair loss varies between individuals.
2. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, interrupting normal hair growth. It commonly appears as one or more round or oval patches of hair loss, although other patterns are possible.
Hair loss can affect the scalp as well as eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair and other parts of the body. Hair follicles are not usually destroyed by alopecia areata, which means regrowth is possible. However, the condition can be unpredictable. Hair may regrow and remain, or further episodes of hair loss can occur. There are also more extensive forms of alopecia areata. For more detail, read our our guide.
3. Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia totalis is an extensive form of alopecia areata that causes complete loss of hair from the scalp. It can develop gradually from patchy alopecia areata or, in some cases, progress more quickly. Because the hair follicles are not usually permanently destroyed, regrowth can be possible, although the course of the condition is unpredictable. For further information then please read our guide.
4. Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia universalis is the most extensive form of alopecia areata. It causes complete loss of hair from the scalp, face and body, which can include the eyebrows, eyelashes and other body hair. As with other forms of alopecia areata, the condition can be unpredictable, and the experience is different for everyone. For more detail, read ourour guide.
5. Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, describes a group of conditions in which inflammation damages and eventually destroys the hair follicles. The affected follicles are replaced by scar tissue, meaning hair loss in those areas can become permanent.
There are several different forms of scarring alopecia, including: Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. FFA is a type of scarring alopecia that typically causes a gradually receding hairline around the front and sides of the scalp. Eyebrow hair can also be affected. Because scarring alopecias can result in permanent hair loss, getting an appropriate diagnosis is important.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is another form of inflammatory scarring alopecia. It can cause areas of hair loss on the scalp and may be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, scaling, itching, burning or tenderness.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like these alongside hair loss, seek medical advice. For a wider overview of how scarring alopecia fits alongside other forms of hair loss, see our Complete Guide to Alopecia Types.
What’s the Difference Between Scarring and Non-Scarring Alopecia?
One important difference between types of hair loss is whether the hair follicle remains intact. With non-scarring hair loss, such as alopecia areata, the follicle has not usually been permanently destroyed, so regrowth may be possible.
With scarring alopecia, inflammation damages and eventually destroys the follicle, meaning hair already lost from those follicles cannot normally regrow. This is why early assessment can be particularly important if a scarring form of alopecia is suspected.
If you’re wondering whether your hair might return, our guide to hair regrowth after alopecia explains what early regrowth can look like and why recovery varies.
6. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is another form of scarring hair loss. It typically begins around the crown or centre of the scalp and gradually spreads outwards.
7. Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when repeated pulling or tension is placed on the hair follicles. It can be associated with hairstyles that repeatedly pull tightly on the hair, such as tight braids, ponytails, buns or extensions. In its earlier stages, removing the source of tension may allow the hair to recover.
However, prolonged or repeated traction can permanently damage the follicles. If you’re noticing thinning around areas where your hair is regularly pulled tightly, consider changing your hairstyle and seeking professional advice.
8. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a type of excessive hair shedding that occurs when more hairs than usual enter the resting and shedding phase of the hair-growth cycle. It can occur following significant physical or emotional changes such as illness, surgery, childbirth or other stresses on the body.
Rather than distinct bald patches, people with telogen effluvium often notice increased shedding and more general thinning across the scalp. It is frequently temporary, although the duration and recovery will depend on the underlying cause.
9. Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium is rapid hair loss that happens during the active growth stage of the hair cycle. It’s particularly associated with some chemotherapy treatments because these medicines target rapidly dividing cells, which can include cells involved in hair growth. Not every chemotherapy treatment causes hair loss, and the amount of hair affected can differ considerably.
10. Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a condition involving recurrent urges to pull out your own hair. It can lead to noticeable areas of hair loss and can affect hair on the scalp as well as eyebrows, eyelashes and other areas. Trichotillomania isn’t simply a bad habit, and support is available.
If hair pulling is causing you distress or affecting your everyday life, speak to your GP. For more detail, read our guide.
How do I know which type of alopecia I have?
Different types of hair loss can sometimes look similar, particularly in their early stages. A diagnosis may involve looking at the pattern of hair loss, examining the scalp and hair, discussing your medical and family history and, in some cases, further tests.
If you’re experiencing unexplained or continuing hair loss, start by speaking to your GP. If the cause isn’t clear, they may refer you to a dermatologist.
What Help Is Available for Alopecia?
If you’ve noticed unexplained hair loss, your first step should usually be to speak to your GP. They may be able to identify the likely cause by examining your hair and scalp and discussing your medical history. Depending on your symptoms, further investigation or a referral to a dermatologist may be appropriate.
Treatment depends on the type of hair loss you’ve been diagnosed with, and not every form of alopecia requires or responds to the same treatment. It’s also important to consider the emotional side of hair loss. Hair loss can affect confidence, body image and how you feel about yourself.
You might find it useful to talk to friends and family, your GP, a counsellor or other people who have experienced hair loss. Organisations such as Alopecia UK can also provide information, support and opportunities to connect with others affected by alopecia.
And, of course, wearing a wig is entirely optional. Some people find wigs incredibly helpful for restoring a familiar appearance, while others prefer headscarves, hats, hairpieces or embracing their hair loss without covering it.
What Are the Best Wigs for Alopecia?
There are no fixed rules. Two people with exactly the same type of alopecia may want completely different things from their wig. Some people prioritise softness, others security or a natural-looking hairline, and some decide they don’t want to wear a wig at all. The right choice is the one that feels comfortable and right for you.
About this guide
This guide has been created by the Simply Wigs team to help make the different types of alopecia and hair loss a little easier to understand. We have supported people living with hair loss for many years, so alongside general information about alopecia, we have included practical guidance based on the questions and concerns we regularly hear from our customers.
For medical information, we have referred to trusted UK sources including the NHS, Alopecia UK and the British Association of Dermatologists. If you are experiencing new, unexplained or persistent hair loss, we would always recommend speaking to your GP or dermatologist.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Medical information sources:
NHS – Hair loss
Alopecia UK – Types of alopecia
British Association of Dermatologists – Alopecia Areata
Wherever you are with your hair loss, you can take things one step at a time. Our aim is to give you clear information, practical help and real experiences whenever you need them.
Where to go to next
If you have reached the end of this guide and are still working out what to do next, start with the question that feels most relevant to you. You do not need to read everything at once.
Want to understand a particular type of alopecia? Read our detailed guides to Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis or Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. If hair pulling is part of what you are experiencing, we also have a detailed Trichotillomania guide.
Looking for practical help? You may find our guide to deciding whether to shave your head helpful, or you can read more about alopecia support groups and the experiences of other people living with hair loss.
Want to explore everything in one place? Visit our Alopecia Resource Centre to browse all of our alopecia articles, practical advice and community stories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Alopecia
Hair loss can raise a lot of questions, especially when different types of alopecia can look similar or behave in very different ways. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about regrowth, permanent hair loss, causes and when it may be worth speaking to your GP or a dermatologist.
- What is the most common type of alopecia?
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Pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss. It affects both men and women and becomes more common with age.
- Which types of alopecia can grow back?
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It depends on the type of hair loss and whether the hair follicles have been permanently damaged. With non-scarring conditions such as alopecia areata, regrowth can occur, although it can be unpredictable. Telogen effluvium is also often temporary, with hair usually starting to regrow once the underlying trigger has resolved.
- Which types of alopecia can cause permanent hair loss?
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Scarring alopecias can cause permanent hair loss because inflammation damages and destroys the hair follicles. Long-term traction alopecia can also permanently damage follicles if repeated tension continues. Pattern hair loss is usually progressive and can also result in lasting thinning.
- Is alopecia always an autoimmune condition?
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No. Alopecia simply means hair loss, and there are many different causes. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, but other types may be linked to genetic and hormonal factors, repeated tension on the hair, disruption of the hair-growth cycle, medical treatment or recurrent hair pulling.
- Can you have more than one type of hair loss at the same time?
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Yes. It is possible for more than one type of hair loss to occur at the same time. For example, telogen effluvium and pattern hair loss can occur together, which is one reason why identifying the exact cause of hair loss is not always straightforward
- When should I see a doctor about hair loss?
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If you are worried about unexplained, sudden or continuing hair loss, speak to your GP. They may be able to identify the cause by examining your hair and scalp and discussing your symptoms and medical history. If the diagnosis is unclear, they may refer you to a dermatologist.
Comments (1)
When I noticed that my hair was thinning and falling out more than usual, I mentioned it to my GP in passing but she didn’t really respond. Over the years, I developed a bald patch on each side of my crown and I took to always sitting at the back at meetings, so that there was no-one behind me! Again, I told my GP who just dismissed it, saying “oh yes, male pattern baldness; probably genetic”.
I then discovered Simply Wigs and that’s the end of the story because they’re brilliant! I have three completely different styles and colours and feel more confident than ever before, so THANK YOU S.Ws!,
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