Alopecia is condition that causes hair loss in patches or large areas of the scalp. It affects people of all ages, genders and races. Although alopecia causes hair loss, not all hair loss is defined as alopecia. A physician has the ability to determine if hair loss is alopecia as well as suggest a treatment. Successful treatment of alopecia is determined by the type and severity of the hair loss. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out at the roots. While hair loss due to alopecia areata typically happens on the scalp, any area that contains hair can be affected. In extremely rare cases, alopecia areata can cause a complete loss of scalp and body hair. Although most hair loss due to alopecia areata grows back within a few months, about 10% of those with the condition have hair loss that is permanent. 

Although apopecia is often caused by an autoimmune condition, it can also be hereditary. Additionally, alopecia areata can be a side effect of an allergy to a food or topical product such as shampoo or hair styling products. There have been studies to indicate that alopecia areata can also be a side effect of severe trauma or stress. Although there is no known cure for alopecia caused by autoimmune issues or heredity, there are treatments available that reduce the frequency or severity of the condition. 

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by constant, tight pulling being applied to the hair. Unlike alopecia areata, traction alopecia is gradual. Generally, traction alopecia is a side effect of hair styles such as braids, tight chignons, or hair weaves in which the hair is pulled back tightly and affixed to the scalp. The constant stress of the hair being pulled tightly causes the hair to become thin and stretched, and, eventually, pulled from the scalp by the root. Traction alopecia can also be caused by tight head gear or harsh chemicals, such as those found in hair relaxers. 

Cictricial Alopeica

Cictricial alopecia is a rare form of alopecia characterized by hair loss accompanied with scarring. In the case of cictricial alopecia, an inflammation occurs beneath the surface of the skin that destroys the hair follicle. Those affected by cictricial alopecia often experience other symptoms such as redness, decreased or increased pigmentation and scaling of the affected area.