The symptoms of the different types of hair loss are outlined below.
Male-pattern baldness
Male-pattern baldness is hereditary, which means it runs in families. It usually starts around the late twenties or early thirties. By their late thirties, most men have some degree of hair loss.
Male-pattern baldness is so called because it generally follows a set pattern. The first stage is usually a receding hairline, followed by thinning of the hair on the crown and temples. This can leave a horseshoe shape of hair around the back and sides of the head. Sometimes it can progress to complete baldness, although this is rare.
Women's hair gradually thins with age, but women generally lose hair from the top of their head only. This is usually more noticeable after the menopause (when a woman’s periods stop at around 52 years of age).
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata causes patches of baldness that are about the size of a large coin. They usually appear on the scalp but can occur anywhere on the body. Other areas that can be affected include the:
If the patches of hair loss are mainly around the hairline it is called an ophiasis pattern. The skin of the bald patches is normal.
There are usually no other symptoms, although in 1 in 10 people the finger nails may also be affected, and may have a pitted appearance.
In some cases of alopecia areata, a person’s hair often grows back but it will appear fine and white before it regains its original colour. This hair can be dyed, if necessary.
Scarring alopecia
As scarring alopecia is caused by another health condition, you will have symptoms relating to this condition besides hair loss. Unlike other forms of hair loss, the skin where the hair has fallen out is likely to be affected in some way.
For example, lichen planus is a non-infectious rash that can lead to scarring alopecia and can cause:
- an itchy rash with purple-red coloured bumps
- inflammation (redness and swelling) of the skin of your scalp
- pain or a burning sensation
Discoid lupus is another possible cause of scarring alopecia. It can cause red, circular, scaly marks on your skin. It may also cause itchiness and pain.
Telogen effluvium
In telogen effluvium, there is widespread hair loss from all over your scalp, rather than specific bald patches. Your hair may feel thinner than before but you are unlikely to lose it all. Your other body hair will not usually be affected.
In most cases of telogen effluvium, your hair will stop falling out and start to grow back within six months.
