6 types of hair fall and their symptoms that tell which one you’re dealing with

Hair fall is a common problem affecting millions worldwide. While it’s normal to shed some hair daily (50-100), excessive hair fall can be distressing. Understanding the types of hair fall can help identify the underlying cause and seek appropriate treatment. It will make it easier to apply a treatment once you know the cause and type of hair fall you’re dealing with. Here are 6 types of hair fall that often exist:

Caused by testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to hair follicle shrinkage. This type of hairfall is often inherited and can start as early as puberty.

Treatment:
- Medications: Minoxidil, Finasteride (under medical supervision)
- Hair transplant surgery
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

Dr. Viral Desai, Board certified super specialist, cosmetic plastic and hair transplant surgeon and Medical Director – DHI India, says, “A sudden increase in hair shedding, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies. This condition can cause a significant amount of hair to enter the resting phase, leading to excessive shedding.”

Treatment:
- Address underlying causes
- Medications: Minoxidil (under medical supervision), iron supplements
- Dietary changes

An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss. The immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In some cases, it can also cause nail changes or skin rashes.

Treatment:
Corticosteroid injections
Topical creams: Minoxidil (under medical supervision), Anthralin

Caused by constant hair pulling or tension, often due to hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or tight buns. This type of hairfall can be prevented by modifying hairstyle habits.

Treatment:

- Modify hairstyle habits
- Medications: Minoxidil (under medical supervision)

As the name suggests, this type of hair fall is caused by a lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, or biotin.

Treatment:
- Dietary changes: increase iron, zinc, biotin
- Supplements: multivitamins, omega-3 fatty acids

A rare condition causing permanent hair loss due to inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles. This type of hairfall can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune disorders, infections, or physical trauma.

Treatment:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Topical creams: Minoxidil (under medical supervision), Tacrolimus
- In some cases, hair transplant surgery may be an option