Types of hair loss: Everything you need to know.

Hair loss can feel distressing for many people – but not all hair loss is the same. There are different types, each with very different causes and patterns of progression. That is precisely why it is so important to understand what lies behind these changes. In this article, we introduce the most common types of hair loss and explain how to recognize them, so you can better understand what is happening in your body and take action at an early stage.

What is hair loss?

We lose hair every day, and that is completely normal. Losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered harmless because new hair usually grows back constantly. Hair loss is only considered to be a problem when significantly more hair falls out, it does not grow back, or bald spots appear. To understand this, it is worth taking a look at the natural rhythm of hair growth.

Hair growth occurs in three phases:

• During the anagen phase, or growth phase, hair actively grows and reaches its full length. Around 80 – 90 % of all hair is in this phase at any given time, which can last for several years.
• This is followed by the catagen phase, a short transition phase lasting only a few weeks, during which the hair root slowly detaches from the blood supply and stops to grow further.
• Finally, the telogen phase, the resting phase, begins and lasts several months. During this time, the hair sits loosely in the root and eventually falls out, while at the same time a new cycle begins and new hair grows back.

If this balance is disturbed, for example by hormonal fluctuations, stress, illness, or predisposition, visible hair loss can occur.

The most common types of hair loss

Every form of hair loss has its own story. Some are temporary and disappear again, while others stay with us for longer or even permanently. Knowing what type it is helps to assess the situation and take the first step towards greater confidence.

Genetic hair loss

This type of hair loss, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss. Men are particularly affected, but many women also experience this change. The cause of hereditary hair loss is a genetic hypersensitivity of the hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks the hair roots and shortens hair growth.

In men, the familiar receding hairline often appears first, and later hair loss can progress to the back of the head. Women usually notice a uniform thinning of the hair on the top of the head.

Circular hair loss

Alopecia areata, better known as circular hair loss, manifests itself in the form of single or multiple round bald patches. Sometimes body hair is also affected. Hair loss often occurs in episodes: hair suddenly falls out, but in some cases new hair grows back. Scientifically, it is an autoimmune reaction in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Genetic predisposition, stress, or hormonal changes can influence its course.

Diffuse hair loss

In so-called telogen effluvium, many hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time. As a result, increased hair shedding occurs a few weeks later. 

Typically, the hair becomes thinner overall without the development of distinct bald patches. The thinning tends to appear evenly distributed across the entire scalp.

Postpartum hair loss

Postpartum hair loss occurs after childbirth. The reason for this is that during pregnancy, many hairs remain in the growth phase for longer. After childbirth, estrogen levels drop and many hairs simultaneously enter the resting phase, leading to increased hair loss.

This is often an emotionally challenging time for new mothers, but in most cases this hair loss is only temporary. Hair growth returns to normal on its own within 6 to 12 months.

Scarring hair loss

This type is a rarer form of hair loss. Here, hair follicles are permanently destroyed by inflammatory processes, so that hair no longer grows back in the affected areas. Causes can include an autoimmune reaction, infections, or injuries to the scalp. Early medical care is very important in these cases to stop the progression.

What you can do yourself

Even though hair loss is often a complex issue, there are steps you can take yourself to provide support. In our article Stopping Hair Loss in Men, you can learn about the preventive options available.

At the same time, research is working intensively on developing new and effective solutions. This is exactly where we come in: with 8T3 Essentials and the active ingredient sCD83, we are creating innovative approaches that go beyond what is already known – for renewed hair growth and renewed self-confidence.

Conclusion: Knowledge creates perspective

Hair loss can have many causes – from heredity to stress to hormonal changes. What all forms have in common is that they are always stressful for those affected. But no one is alone in this. Knowing about the different types of hair loss helps you to better understand your own situation.

With 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum, there is already a scientifically based approach that rethinks hair regeneration and opens up new perspectives for those affected by androgenic hair loss to improve their quality of life.

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