Alopecia Specialist
Hair loss can have a significant impact on confidence and well-being. At Hair InXs, we pride ourselves in being alopecia specialists providing tailored solutions to help you regain both your hair and your confidence. This page will guide you through everything you need to know about alopecia, its types, causes, and how we can assist you in your hair restoration journey.
What Is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, which can occur anywhere on the body. It ranges from temporary thinning to complete hair loss and can affect people of all genders and ages. Alopecia is not always permanent, and treatments are available to stimulate regrowth or manage its progression.
Types of Alopecia
1. Alopecia Areata
A common autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It typically presents as round or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or body.
Symptoms: Sudden, patchy hair loss. In some cases, nails may become brittle or develop pitting.
Variations:
- Alopecia Totalis: Complete loss of hair on the scalp.
- Alopecia Universalis: Total loss of hair across the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Reversibility: Often reversible, but recurrence is common.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
The most prevalent form of hair loss, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. It’s characterized by thinning at the crown and hairline in men and a widening part in women.
Causes: A genetic predisposition combined with hormonal changes, particularly the sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Reversibility: While it is progressive, treatments like medications, PRP therapy, or hair systems can slow or camouflage hair loss.
3. Telogen Effluvium
A temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle.
Triggers: Physical or emotional stress, surgery, childbirth, or illness.
Reversibility: Usually reversible within 6–9 months if the underlying cause is resolved.
4. Traction Alopecia
Caused by prolonged tension on the hair due to certain hairstyles such as tight braids, ponytails, or extensions.
Symptoms: Gradual hair thinning or breakage around the hairline and temples.
Reversibility: Early intervention can restore hair growth, but prolonged tension can lead to permanent hair loss.
5. Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)
A rare group of conditions where inflammation damages and destroys hair follicles, leaving scar tissue in their place.
Symptoms: Hair loss is often accompanied by redness, scaling, or pain in the affected areas.
Reversibility: Hair loss is permanent due to follicle destruction, but treatment can prevent further progression.
6. Anagen Effluvium
Rapid hair loss that occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, often due to toxic insults to the hair follicles.
Triggers: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Reversibility: Hair typically regrows once the exposure to the triggering agent stops.
7. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
A fungal infection that affects the scalp and hair shafts, causing patchy hair loss.
Symptoms: Scaly, itchy patches of baldness, often accompanied by inflammation or crusting.
Reversibility: Treatable with antifungal medications, and hair usually regrows after treatment.
Causes of Alopecia
Alopecia can be influenced by a variety of factors, which often overlap depending on the type of hair loss. Below is a detailed breakdown of potential causes:
1. Genetic Predisposition
Inherited sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens (hormones like testosterone and DHT).
Related Condition: Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness).
2. Autoimmune Reactions
The body’s immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles as a threat.
Related Conditions: Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis.
Triggers: Often unknown, but stress or genetic predisposition may play a role.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal changes affect hair growth cycles.
Triggers: Pregnancy or postpartum changes. Menopause. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Related Conditions: Telogen Effluvium, Androgenetic Alopecia.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Insufficient intake or absorption of essential nutrients.
Key Deficiencies:
- Iron: Leads to anemia, a common cause of hair thinning.
- Zinc: Essential for cell reproduction and follicle repair.
- Biotin: Crucial for healthy hair growth.
- Vitamin D: Plays a role in follicle health.
5. Stress and Trauma
Physical Stress: Surgery, childbirth, or severe illness can shock hair follicles into a resting phase (telogen effluvium).
Emotional Stress: Anxiety and significant life changes may disrupt the hair growth cycle.
6. Hairstyling and Hair Damage
Repeated damage to the scalp and hair due to styling practices.
Contributors:
- Excessive heat from blow dryers or straighteners.
- Use of harsh chemicals (e.g., relaxers, dyes).
- Tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp (e.g., braids, weaves, ponytails).
7. Medical Conditions and Medications
Conditions:
- Scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Chronic illnesses like lupus, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Medications:
- Chemotherapy drugs often cause anagen effluvium.
- Beta-blockers, retinoids, and anticoagulants can trigger hair loss.
8. Infections
Fungal Infections: Tinea Capitis disrupts hair growth and weakens hair shafts.
Bacterial Infections: Folliculitis can lead to inflammation and scarring.
9. Aging
The natural aging process results in slower hair regrowth and finer, weaker strands over time.
Related Condition: Androgenetic Alopecia and senescent thinning.
10. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Environmental pollutants and smoking can damage hair follicles.
Contributors: Overexposure to UV rays, poor scalp hygiene, or chemical exposure.
Understanding the type and cause of alopecia is the first step in finding the right treatment. At Hair InXs, we provide personalised solutions to help manage and treat hair loss, regardless of its origin.
How Can Hair InXs Help?
If you are one of the 8 million people in the UK (around 12% of the population) affected by alopecia, Hair InXs is here to help. Our professional team has years of experience in handling all types of alopecia, from mild thinning to more advanced forms such as alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia. You can have peace of mind knowing you’re in expert hands.
At Hair InXs, we’ve treated a wide range of alopecia cases, tailoring our solutions to meet each individual’s needs. We take the time to understand your concerns, identify the type of hair loss, and work out the best treatment plan for you. Our innovative solutions are designed to restore and improve your quality of life, helping you regain not just your hair but also your confidence. With our non-surgical hair systems and other treatments, you can enjoy a full head of hair that looks natural, can be styled as you wish, and is easy to maintain.
Contact Hair InXs today and let us guide you on your journey to restored confidence and a full head of hair!
Alopecia FAQs
The possibility of curing alopecia depends on its type and underlying causes. While some forms are reversible with treatment, others can be managed but not fully cured.
The best treatment varies based on individual needs. At Hair InXs, we tailor treatments to address the specific type and severity of alopecia.
The timeframe for noticeable results depends on the treatment method. For example, PRP therapy may show improvement within 3–6 months, while hair systems provide immediate results.
Some forms, such as androgenetic alopecia, are hereditary. Others, like alopecia areata, are caused by immune system responses or other factors.
Yes, hair loss due to stress (telogen effluvium) is often temporary. With proper care and stress management, regrowth is possible.
At Hair InXs, we are dedicated to helping you achieve lasting results. Whether you’re seeking regrowth solutions or want to explore non-surgical options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for your personalized consultation and take the first step towards restoring your confidence.

