Understanding Alopecia: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understanding Alopecia: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Awareness, early action, and informed care make the difference

Hair loss can be an emotional and deeply personal journey, especially within communities of African descent, where hair is closely tied to identity, culture, and self-expression. Alopecia is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and understanding the type, cause, and treatment options is key to managing it successfully.

This blog aims to raise awareness about non-scarring alopecia, common symptoms to watch for, do’s and don’ts, and both natural and medical treatment options backed by research.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. While some forms are permanent, many types—especially non-scarring alopecia, are treatable or reversible when caught early.

“At first, I thought my hairline was just maturing. I didn’t realize the thinning at my crown was a sign of something more until it became harder to hide.”
— Client experience with male pattern hair loss

Non-Scarring Alopecia: Causes & Types

Non-scarring alopecia means the hair follicle is not permanently destroyed, which makes regrowth possible.

1. Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune)

• The immune system attacks healthy hair follicles
• Sudden round or oval patches of hair loss
• Can affect scalp, beard, eyebrows, or body hair
• More common in individuals with a family history of autoimmune disease

Key sign: Smooth bald patches with no flaking or scarring

2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic & Hormonal)

Also known as male or female pattern baldness

• Caused by sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
• Gradual thinning at the hairline, temples, or crown
• Very common in men and women of African descent

“Looking back at old photos, I noticed the slow recession over years, but no one ever told me it was androgenetic alopecia.”

3. Traction Alopecia & Trichotillomania (Physical Causes)

Traction Alopecia

• Caused by repeated tension from:
• Tight braids
• Lace wigs
• Sew-ins
• Cornrows
• Common along the edges and nape

Trichotillomania

• Hair loss caused by compulsive pulling
• Often linked to stress or anxiety

Important: Early traction alopecia is reversible—late-stage is not.

4. Telogen Effluvium (Hormonal, Stress-Related)

• Triggered by:
• Emotional stress
• Illness
• Hormonal imbalance
• Rapid weight loss
• Causes diffuse shedding, not bald patches
• Often temporary but alarming

Hair Baldness Scales: Knowing Your Stage

Understanding progression helps guide treatment.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

• Ludwig Scale
• Stage 1–2: Widening part, thinning at crown

Male Pattern Hair Loss

• Norwood Scale
• Stage 3–4: Receding hairline and crown thinning

Early stages respond best to treatment.

Natural Hair Regrowth Options

These support follicle health and circulation and are often used alongside medical treatments.

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

• Uses your own growth factors
• Stimulates dormant follicles
• Popular for androgenetic alopecia

2. Red Light Therapy 

• FDA-cleared low-level laser therapy
• Improves blood flow and follicle activity
• Best with consistent use

Natural DHT Blockers (Hair Loss Prevention)

DHT is a major cause of pattern hair loss.

• Pumpkin Seed Oil – 1000–3000 mg daily
• Saw Palmetto (high fatty acid content) – 160–320 mg
• Rosemary Oil – topical circulation booster
• Nizoral Shampoo (Ketoconazole) – anti-inflammatory, mild DHT reduction
• Plantur 39 Shampoo – phyto-caffeine stimulation
• Kérastase Densifique Femme – contains Stemoxydine

Medicated Hair Regrowth Treatments

These require medical supervision and commitment.

Topical & Oral Options

• Rogaine Men’s 5% Foam – once daily
• Oral Minoxidil (2.5 mg)
• Spironolactone (100 mg – oral)
• Mesotherapy (vitamins, minerals, medications)

Important considerations:

• Topicals may irritate the scalp and work slowly
• Oral Minoxidil may cause excess body hair, heart issues, BP changes
• Spironolactone may cause weight changes, low BP, or mood changes
• Mesotherapy may include Finasteride or Minoxidil combinations

Medicated DHT Blockers (Hair Loss Prevention)

• Finasteride 1 mg (oral)
• Dutasteride 0.5 mg (oral)

Possible side effects:

• Low libido
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Birth defects (women must not use or handle tablets)

Hair Transplant: A Last Resort

Hair transplants:

• Do not stop hair loss
• Require ongoing DHT management
• Work best when combined with medical therapy

Do’s & Don’ts When Dealing with Alopecia

 DO

• Seek early diagnosis
• Address stress and nutrition
• Use gentle, low-tension styling
• Be consistent with treatment

 DON’T

• Ignore early thinning
• Over-style edges or crown
• Expect overnight results
• Self-prescribe oral medications

Final Thoughts

Alopecia is not just cosmetic, it’s medical, emotional, and deeply personal. The good news? Knowledge, early action, and the right treatment plan can change outcomes.

“Once I understood what type of hair loss I had, everything changed. I stopped guessing and started treating.”

If you’re experiencing hair loss, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options.