Alopecia Awareness Month: Understanding Hair Loss, Its Causes and Your Treatment Options
September is Alopecia Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of hair loss, challenge common misconceptions and help people understand the support and treatment options available.
At MHR Clinic, we understand that losing your hair can be more than a physical change. Whether you’re experiencing gradual thinning, sudden patches of hair loss or more extensive alopecia, it can affect your confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Hair loss affects both men and women, and no two experiences are exactly alike. This September, we’re highlighting the different types of alopecia, what causes them and the steps you can take if you’re concerned about your hair.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect the scalp, facial hair and other areas of the body. Some forms are temporary, while others are progressive or permanent.
Although alopecia is often associated with complete hair loss, it actually describes several different conditions, each with its own causes, symptoms and potential treatments.
Understanding which type of hair loss you’re experiencing is an important first step towards finding appropriate advice and support.
The different types of alopecia
1. Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, typically causing sudden, round or oval patches of hair loss.
It can affect people of any age, and its progression is unpredictable. Some people experience spontaneous regrowth, while others have recurring or more extensive hair loss.
In more severe cases, alopecia areata can develop into:
-
Alopecia totalis: Complete loss of hair on the scalp.
-
Alopecia universalis: Loss of hair across the entire body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
Although there is currently no guaranteed cure, treatments are available that may encourage regrowth or help manage the condition.
2. Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
Androgenetic alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in both men and women.
In men, it typically presents as a receding hairline, thinning around the temples or hair loss at the crown. Women are more likely to experience gradual thinning across the top of the scalp or a widening parting.
Genetics and sensitivity to hormones play important roles in this condition.
Depending on your circumstances, treatment options may include prescribed medication, low-level laser therapy and hair transplantation.
3. Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a form of excessive hair shedding that can occur following significant physical or emotional stress.
Common triggers include illness, childbirth, major surgery, rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Unlike some other forms of alopecia, telogen effluvium is often temporary. Once the underlying trigger has been addressed, hair growth will frequently recover, although this can take several months.
4. Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia develops when repeated tension is placed on hair follicles, often through tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails or extensions.
It commonly affects the hairline and temples.
Recognising the early signs and reducing tension on the hair can help prevent further damage. However, prolonged traction can cause permanent hair loss.
How can alopecia affect your confidence?
Hair loss is often discussed in terms of appearance, but its emotional impact deserves equal attention.
For some people, thinning hair or bald patches can affect self-esteem, social confidence and everyday wellbeing. Others embrace their hair loss and choose not to pursue treatment.
There is no right or wrong way to feel about alopecia.
At MHR Clinic, we believe everyone deserves access to clear information and professional advice, whether they want to explore treatment, manage their existing hair or simply understand what’s happening.
What treatments are available for hair loss?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your hair loss, your medical history and your individual goals.
At MHR Clinic, we offer personalised hair restoration programmes for suitable patients, including the following options.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses controlled light energy to stimulate hair follicles.
It may help improve hair density and support existing hair growth in some people experiencing pattern hair loss. Results vary, and it is not an established treatment for every form of alopecia.
PRP hair treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves using a concentrated preparation of your own blood platelets, which is injected into targeted areas of the scalp.
PRP is being investigated as a treatment for certain types of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. Evidence of its effectiveness is still developing, and it is not suitable for everyone.
Hair loss medication
Treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride may be recommended for suitable patients experiencing androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil can help encourage hair growth, while finasteride works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone involved in male pattern hair loss.
These medications are not appropriate for every patient or every type of alopecia. A medical assessment is important before beginning treatment.
Hair transplantation
For suitable patients with stable, permanent hair loss, hair transplantation can offer a long-term hair restoration option.
MHR Clinic offers FUE and FUT hair transplant procedures, with treatment plans tailored to individual hair loss patterns and available donor hair.
However, hair transplantation is not generally recommended for active alopecia areata, and suitability must always be assessed individually.
When should you seek professional advice?
If you’ve noticed unusual hair shedding, bald patches, changes to your hairline or thinning across your scalp, it’s worth seeking advice rather than assuming the cause.
Sudden or patchy hair loss, particularly when accompanied by scalp inflammation, pain or scarring, should be assessed promptly by a GP or dermatologist.
Early identification can be particularly important for conditions that may cause permanent damage to hair follicles.
Alopecia Awareness Month: You’re not alone
This September, we want to encourage more open conversations about hair loss and help remove the stigma that can surround it.
Whether you’re experiencing alopecia yourself or supporting someone who is, understanding the condition can make a meaningful difference.
Hair loss doesn’t define you, and choosing whether or not to pursue treatment is entirely personal.
Take the first step with MHR Clinic
If you’re concerned about hair loss, our experienced team can help you understand your options.
With over 20 years of experience and clinics in Manchester and Leeds, MHR Clinic offers personalised consultations and a range of surgical and non-surgical hair restoration treatments.
Whether you’ve recently noticed thinning or have been experiencing hair loss for several years, we’re here to help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
Visit MHR Clinic to arrange your free hair loss consultation