Alopecia Awareness Month highlights various types of hair loss

September marks Alopecia Awareness Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness about hair loss and challenging the social stigma associated with the condition. It is estimated that approximately 2% of the global population, or one in every 50 people, will experience alopecia at some point.

Dr. Judey Pretorius identifies several common forms of the condition, including alopecia areata, which involves immune-system-related patches; androgenetic alopecia, a genetic form of pattern baldness; traction alopecia, caused by tension from hairstyles; and telogen effluvium, which is temporary shedding triggered by stress or illness. Other forms include alopecia totalis, which results in the complete loss of scalp hair.

Causes for hair loss vary and can include genetics, hormonal shifts, medications, illness, stress, and environmental factors. Identifying the specific underlying cause is considered a critical step before pursuing treatment.