Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. There are many types of hair loss. It is often categorized according to when it takes place during the hair growth cycle: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Androgenetic alopecia is inherited hair loss. In this type of hair loss, the growth (anagen) cycle becomes shorter and shorter. The hair follicles sprout hairs that are thinner than normal. The hairs become thinner and thinner, and eventually the follicles wither away. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This type of hair loss begins to get worse when hair follicles enter the rest (telogen) phase too soon. Telogen effluvium has many causes. In this type of hair loss, large numbers of hairs enter the resting phase (telogen), which causes shedding and thinning. Usually no more than 50% of the hair is affected, and hair loss may occur up to 3 months after the event that causes it.footnote 1 Causes include: Two types of hair loss not related to the hair growth cycle are trichotillomania and traction alopecia. Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
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Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: November 16, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardTypes of Hair Loss
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.