Hair loss can occur due to biological factors, genetic mutations, hormones, or friction on hair follicles. Alopecia has several forms, including areata, universalis, male pattern baldness, and traction alopecia. Alopecia areata is caused by the immune system mistaking hair follicles for an invading pathogen. Alopecia universalis is the complete absence of hair on the head and body caused by a genetic mutation. Male pattern baldness is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning hair due to abnormal hormone levels. Traction alopecia is caused by constant friction or pulling on hair follicles, often due to tight hairstyles or hair weaves.
Hair loss can occur in localized areas or all over the body. There are many types of hair loss disorders, some caused by biological factors, genetic mutations, hormones, or friction on hair follicles. Alopecia causes hair loss in different ways on the body and has several forms, including alopecia areata, alopecia universalis, male pattern baldness, and traction alopecia.
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss caused by the body’s immune system mistaking hair follicles for an invading pathogen. This will cause patches of hair to fall out, leaving behind a smooth surface with very little stubble. There is no cure for this disorder, as this type of hair loss tends to be transient, with hair sometimes growing back within a year. Individuals with a family history of hair loss have an increased risk of developing alopecia areata.
Total hair loss, or alopecia universalis, is the complete absence of hair on the head and body. Individuals who are affected by this type of disorder tend to have patches of skin that lack hair follicles, making it one of the more chronic forms of hair loss. The disorder is caused by a genetic mutation, with doctors having no direct cure. There is always the possibility of hair growing back, but most accidents tend to be permanent in nature.
Male pattern baldness is a type of alopecia characterized by a receding hairline, usually associated with aggressive hair thinning. Baldness occurs when the hair follicle shrinks, resulting in thinning hair and shorter growth phases. The areas that are typically affected are the temple and crown area, with the temple areas gradually receding into an “M” shape. It has been noticed that the cause of male pattern baldness comes from abnormal hormone levels.
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by constant friction or pulling on hair follicles. Many people who routinely wear their hair in tight buns, braids, or pigtails are at risk of developing this type of hair loss. Traction alopecia tends to be a prolific occurrence in African-American communities due to hair weaves and extensions that can pull hair follicles. Hair wefts need to be removed after a certain amount of time, allowing the wearer to take care of their hair. The hair will then need to be braided once more and have a new strand installed, which can put stress on hair follicles that are already at risk of falling out.
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