Female pattern hair loss (FPHL): A condition triggered by a combination of hormonal changes, genetic influences, and age. FPHL happens when dihydrotestosterone, a sex hormone, binds to receptors in your hair follicles, causing them to shrink and stop producing hair.
Menopause: Menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, can trigger hormonal changes that lead to hair loss. As oestrogen levels dip following menopause, you may be more likely to experience FPHL.
Telogen effluvium: A type of temporary hair loss usually triggered by a significant emotional or physical response. Known triggers for telogen effluvium include surgery, trauma, stress, anxiety, and childbirth.
Traction alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused by consistent tension on the hair follicles, typically when wearing tight hairstyles. It particularly affects women with Black hair types who wear their hair in protective styles for long periods of time. It may also affect women who wear a hijab.
Medication-related hair loss: Some medications, like oral contraceptives and chemotherapy, can lead to hair loss. This is usually sustained for as long as you’re taking the medication.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: A type of scarring alopecia that leads to a receding hairline in women. It most often affects postmenopausal women. This condition often develops as a result of hormonal, autoimmune, inflammatory, and environmental factors.
Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition that causes small round bald patches to appear on the scalp. This may progress into alopecia totalis (total scalp hair loss) or alopecia universalis (total body hair loss).
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia: A type of scarring alopecia that causes scaling and itchiness. Like traction alopecia, CCCA is linked with tight and protective hairstyles, and is most commonly seen in female hair loss patients of African or Caribbean descent.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of nutrients and vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss in severe cases. This type of hair loss may be reversible with the right diet and/or supplement programme.
Childbirth: Postpartum hair loss is very common, and usually happens as a result of hormonal changes as well as the physical and emotional stress of giving birth.