Types of Alopecia

Let's discuss the topic on everyone's' lips after the Oscars show down.

Alopecia is a medical term used for hair loss.

When people aren't going through something that we are going through, they just don't understand, you need to go through something to fully understand the emotions involved.

I see women daily who are experiencing hair loss for whatever reason, and I can promise you that it is such an emotional journey for them. Yes people experiencing hair loss aren't necessarily ill but the toll it has on their mental health can be awful!

Alopecia isn't a topic discussed every often as people affected with this have either mastered the art of hiding it, have hair loss integrations systems fitted, wear wigs or rock it..!

• Alopecia Areata - most common type of hair loss, categorised by round or oval patches

• Alopecia Totalis - a form of hair loss that affects the whole scalp

• Alopecia Universalis - where not only the hair on the scalp is affected but the whole body

• Traction Alopecia - a form of hair loss that occurs when the hair is repeatedly pulled wearing hairstyles that are too tight

• Androgenetic Alopecia - female pattern baldness usually presents as thinning hair all over

• Telogen Effluvium - this is known as stress related hair loss

• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia - front hairline is affected with full or partial hair loss

• Postpartum Alopecia - a very common hair loss that affects woman in the months following childbirth

If you are experiencing an unusual amount of hair loss you should always consult your doctor first. They might be able to define if there is an underlying cause, as some illnesses, deficiencies and medication can cause hair loss. Or refer you to a specialist.

Unfortunately a lot of the time with alopecia there are still a lot of unknown causes or treatments.

There are a ton of support groups on social media who you can reach out to if you are affected.