Hair Loss Fact Sheet: Types, Causes, and Treatment Options
Hair loss is a common concern affecting millions of people worldwide, and while some forms of hair thinning are temporary, others require long-term management. Understanding the type of hair loss you’re experiencing is the first step toward finding an effective solution.
At The Press Room Salon, we prioritize healthy hair retention, scalp care, and customized treatments for those experiencing hair loss or thinning. This fact sheet breaks down the most common types of hair loss, their causes, and what you can (or cannot) do about them.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Hair Loss)
What It Is:
Also known as male or female pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia is a genetic form of hair loss that leads to gradual thinning over time. It affects both men and women, typically appearing as:
Men: A receding hairline or bald spot on the crown.
Women: Overall thinning, especially near the crown or part line.
Causes:
✔ Genetic predisposition
✔ Hormonal imbalances (DHT sensitivity)
✔ Aging
What You Can Do About It:
✔ Minoxidil (Rogaine): FDA-approved topical treatment to slow hair loss and regrow some hair.
✔ Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Can stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth.
✔ Scalp Micropigmentation: A cosmetic procedure to create the appearance of fuller hair.
✔ Hair Transplants: Surgical option for advanced cases.
What You Cannot Do:
✖ Reverse the genetic factor causing hair loss.
✖ Completely restore hair volume without medical intervention.
2. Telogen Effluvium (Temporary Shedding)
What It Is:
Telogen effluvium is a temporary increase in hair shedding caused by stress, illness, or major bodily changes. This type of hair loss is not permanent, but it can be alarming when excessive shedding occurs suddenly.
Causes:
✔ High-stress events (illness, surgery, trauma)
✔ Hormonal shifts (postpartum, menopause, birth control changes)
✔ Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, biotin)
✔ Drastic weight loss
✔ Recovery from illness (such as COVID-19)
What You Can Do About It:
✔ Identify and address the root cause (stress, diet, hormones).
✔ Maintain a nutrient-rich diet with biotin, iron, and vitamin D.
✔ Gentle scalp massages to stimulate circulation.
✔ Use lightweight, sulfate-free shampoos to prevent further irritation.
✔ Consider PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to encourage regrowth.
What You Cannot Do:
✖ Stop shedding immediately—it usually takes 3-6 months for hair to rebalance.
✖ Expect instant regrowth; hair follows a natural cycle that takes time.
3. Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune Hair Loss)
What It Is:
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, or body.
Causes:
✔ Autoimmune response
✔ Genetics
✔ Stress or emotional trauma
✔ Other autoimmune disorders (thyroid disease, lupus)
What You Can Do About It:
✔ Consult a dermatologist for steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
✔ Try Minoxidil to stimulate regrowth in mild cases.
✔ Manage stress and autoimmune-related triggers.
✔ Look into JAK inhibitors (a newer medical treatment option).
What You Cannot Do:
✖ Cure alopecia areata—it may come and go unpredictably.
✖ Prevent flare-ups entirely, as it’s linked to immune system activity.
4. Traction Alopecia (Hair Loss from Styling Damage)
What It Is:
Traction alopecia is caused by excessive pulling and tension on the hair follicles, usually from tight hairstyles or repeated styling stress.
Causes:
✔ Tight ponytails, braids, sew-ins, or wigs.
✔ Frequent use of heat and chemical processing.
✔ Prolonged scalp tension from extensions.
What You Can Do About It:
✔ Stop wearing tight hairstyles immediately.
✔ Give your scalp time to recover by wearing looser styles.
✔ Use scalp treatments and lightweight oils to soothe inflammation.
✔ Massage the scalp to improve circulation and stimulate hair regrowth.
What You Cannot Do:
✖ Reverse permanent follicle damage—long-term traction alopecia can cause scarring.
✖ Regrow hair in completely bald areas without medical intervention.
5. Postpartum Hair Loss (Hormonal Shedding)
What It Is:
Postpartum hair loss occurs when hormone levels drop after childbirth, causing a temporary increase in shedding. It typically starts 2-4 months after giving birth and can last for several months before hair growth stabilizes.
Causes:
✔ Drastic hormone changes after pregnancy.
✔ Increased stress and lack of sleep.
✔ Nutritional deficiencies due to breastfeeding.
What You Can Do About It:
✔ Increase protein, iron, and collagen intake to support hair regrowth.
✔ Use volumizing products to minimize the appearance of thinning.
✔ Massage the scalp with essential oils like rosemary or peppermint.
✔ Consider PRP therapy for severe cases.
What You Cannot Do:
✖ Stop the shedding immediately—hormonal balance takes time.
✖ Prevent postpartum shedding completely—it is a natural process.
6. Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)
What It Is:
Scarring alopecia refers to permanent hair loss caused by follicle destruction, often due to an inflammatory condition, infection, or trauma to the scalp.
Causes:
✔ Lichen planopilaris or folliculitis decalvans.
✔ Infections that damage the hair follicle.
✔ Physical injury or burns on the scalp.
What You Can Do About It:
✔ Consult a dermatologist for inflammation control treatments.
✔ Explore medical-grade hair transplant options if necessary.
What You Cannot Do:
✖ Reverse scarring—the damage is permanent.
✖ Regrow hair in bald patches without intervention.
How to Prevent Hair Loss and Maintain Scalp Health
While some forms of hair loss are genetic or medical, healthy scalp care and preventative treatments can improve hair retention and overall hair health.
✔ Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, biotin, and vitamin D.
✔ Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos to avoid scalp irritation.
✔ Avoid excessive tension from tight hairstyles or chemical processing.
✔ Incorporate scalp massages to increase circulation.
✔ Consult a professional if you notice sudden or excessive shedding.
At The Press Room Salon, we offer scalp health consultations, deep conditioning treatments, and protective styling options to help clients maintain strong, healthy hair.
Book a Hair Health Consultation at The Press Room Salon
If you’re struggling with hair thinning, excessive shedding, or scalp issues, a professional consultation can help you identify the cause and create a treatment plan.
✔ Personalized scalp analysis and product recommendations.
✔ Protective styling options to reduce hair stress.
✔ Deep conditioning and strengthening treatments for healthier hair.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier, fuller hair.