Understanding Hair Loss: Common Types, Causes, and Treatment Options

Hair loss doesn’t follow a single pattern. For some, it starts as gradual thinning near the crown. For others, it’s sudden shedding with no clear explanation. What many don’t realize is that hair loss has many causes, and just as many types. And with so many treatment options, ranging from topical solutions to medications, devices, and supplements, it can be difficult to know which path is right for you.

If you’re noticing changes in hair density or texture, don’t just treat it blindly. The first step is to understand what kind of hair loss you’re actually experiencing, and why. This guide will walk you through the most common types of hair loss, what causes them, and how different treatment strategies can provide effective, science-backed options to explore.

Signs You’re Experiencing Hair Loss

Hair naturally goes through a cycle of growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (exogen). So how do you know when it’s more than just regular shedding? Here are some common signs that your hair may be thinning in a way that deserves attention:

• • Thinning along the hairline or crown
  • Widening part or patchy areas
  • Excess shedding during brushing or showering
  • Shorter regrowth cycles or “baby hairs” that don’t thicken
  • Changes in texture or density

These signs can appear gradually, and it’s easy to overlook them until a noticeable pattern sets in. The earlier you identify changes, the better your chances of slowing or even reversing the trend.

Common Types of Hair Loss and What Causes Them

Hair loss doesn’t show up the same way for everyone, and it doesn’t always have the same root cause. Understanding the specific type you’re dealing with can help narrow down the right treatment and prevent unnecessary trial and error.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

The most widespread type of hair loss—also known as male or female pattern baldness. It’s driven by a sensitivity to DHT (a byproduct of testosterone) that shrinks hair follicles over time. Men typically see recession at the temples and thinning at the crown, while women experience overall thinning across the scalp (Oiwoh, 2024).

Telogen Effluvium

This form of hair loss happens when a large number of hairs enter the resting (telogen) phase at once, leading to increased shedding. It’s often triggered by stress, illness, hormonal shifts (such as postpartum), crash dieting, or medications. Telogen effluvium is usually temporary, but it can still be distressing (Malkud, 2015).

Alopecia Areata

This autoimmune condition causes the body to mistakenly attack its own hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss. It may resolve on its own, but in some cases, it recurs or progresses. Early medical evaluation is key to managing symptoms and ruling out related autoimmune issues (Moussa et al., 2022).

Traction Alopecia

Tight hairstyles, extensions, or repeated pulling can damage hair follicles over time, especially around the hairline. The good news? It’s usually reversible if caught early. Simply relieving the tension can allow follicles to recover (Syed & Kaliyadan, 2025).

Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecias

This group of inflammatory conditions permanently damages hair follicles, replacing them with scar tissue. Causes include autoimmune disorders like lichen planopilaris or chronic scalp infections. Because the damage is irreversible once established, early diagnosis is essential to prevent permanent loss (Dogra & Sarangal, 2013).

Other Medical and Nutritional Causes

Not all hair loss falls into neat categories. Sometimes it’s a symptom of a larger issue:

• • Thyroid disorders (Hussein et al., 2023)
  • Vitamin or mineral deficiencies, especially iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D (Almohanna et al., 2019)
  • Scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or fungal infections (Trüeb et al., 2018)
  • The use of certain medications (Alhanshali et al, 2023)
  • Chronic inflammation (Peyravian et al., 2020)

Identifying the underlying cause is what makes it possible to move beyond generic advice and toward a treatment plan that fits your individual needs. In the next section, we’ll explore when to seek medical advice and how to begin narrowing in on a strategy that aligns with your unique biology.

When to See a Doctor About Hair Loss

If you notice any of the signs of hair loss or even suspect that it may be occurring, consulting a doctor or dermatologist can help you identify which type you’re dealing with and guide you toward appropriate options. It’s also a good idea to seek medical advice if:

• • Symptoms are sudden, worsening quickly, or associated with other health changes
  • You’re noticing fatigue, weight changes, or skin/nail changes along with hair loss

A medical consultation can confirm the cause, provide reassurance, and rule out more serious conditions. While many causes are cosmetic, hair loss can occasionally signal a broader health issue. Getting clarity early is an important act of self-care and the first step towards considering your treatment options. 

Treatment Options: Finding the Right Fit for the Cause

There are many different treatment options available for hair loss, and it’s not always clear which to try first. More traditional treatments like medications and surgery can be effective, but they often come with risks or side effects. At the same time, newer alternatives backed by science are emerging that offer gentler, more biologically aligned support. Ultimately, the most effective choice depends on the underlying cause of hair loss and each individual’s specific situation. Here’s how common options compare:

Traditional Treatments

Minoxidil: An over-the-counter topical that can stimulate follicles and improve growth cycles. However, it may cause scalp irritation, flaking, or even unwanted hair growth on the face or body (Suchonwanit et al., 2019)

Finasteride: A prescription medication that blocks DHT. It’s primarily used in men with androgenetic alopecia, but it’s been linked to hormonal side effects, including sexual dysfunction and mood changes (Mysore, 2012).

Surgical options: Hair transplants or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can produce results, but they’re invasive, expensive, and not guaranteed to work for all types of hair loss.

Biologically Aligned Alternatives

Some newer approaches focus on supporting the body’s natural repair systems without invasive procedures or the risk of harsh side effects:

Topical Peptides: Peptides for hair growth like GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and GHK-Biotin may help reactivate follicles, improve scalp environment, and strengthen the hair shaft. Clinical research supports the ability of topical peptides to reduce shedding and support visible regrowth over time (Pickart & Margolina, 2018; Active Peptide Company, 2014).

Microneedling: Microneedling enhances the delivery of topical peptides and stimulates localized repair through gentle micro-channels. Clinical studies have shown that microneedling can boost hair regrowth in people with androgenetic alopecia, with participants in one study seeing noticeably higher hair counts compared to those who didn’t receive treatment (Dhurat et al., 2013).

Red Light Therapy: Research shows that red light therapy (RLT) can noticeably improve hair thickness and density. Studies have found that people using helmet-style RLT devices experienced notable improvements in hair count and scalp coverage, with high tolerability and no adverse effects (Yoon et al., 2020; Suchonwanit et al., 2019).

Together, these approaches offer ways to support follicle activity and scalp health without the potential tradeoffs, making them ideal for incorporating into a multi‑angle treatment plan for healthier hair growth.

A Multi-Angle Strategy for Healthier Hair

Hair loss rarely has a single cause, which is why focusing on just one treatment can sometimes feel frustrating or incomplete. Follicle health, circulation, inflammation, and even lifestyle all play a part in whether hair continues to grow strong or begins to thin. Taking a multi‑angle approach means addressing several of these factors at once, giving follicles the best possible environment to thrive.

Topical peptide serums for hair growth are a great place to start. We recommend AnagenX, which combines seven synergistic peptides that support follicle reactivation, scalp repair, and growth anchoring. Tools such as microneedling and red light therapy can enhance these effects by improving absorption and energizing follicle cells.

Lifestyle factors also play a major role in hair health and deserve attention on their own:

• • Nutrition: Adequate levels of iron, vitamin D, zinc, and omega‑3 fatty acids help support healthy follicle activity.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress can disrupt the hair cycle and contribute to shedding.
  • Sleep: Consistent, quality rest gives your body the time it needs to repair and regenerate.
  • Smoking: Avoiding smoking supports circulation and overall skin and scalp health.

Together, these internal habits reinforce the benefits of topical and device-based treatments, providing the foundation for lasting results.

Hair thrives when all of these elements work together. Supporting your biology from multiple angles builds resilience and helps restore growth in a way that feels both natural and sustainable.

Final Thoughts: Understanding and Treating Hair Loss Wisely

Hair loss is never just about appearance. It affects how we feel, how we show up in the world, and how confident we are in our skin.

The most important step is understanding what type of hair loss you’re experiencing and what might be causing it. With that knowledge, you can make informed choices about the wide range of treatments available today. Alongside traditional options, there are also newer, scientifically backed approaches that expand what’s possible, giving you more options to explore and tailor to your needs.

At Scantifix, we’re dedicated to advancing these kinds of solutions—like topical peptides, microneedling, and red light therapy. Our focus is on treatments that work with your body’s natural systems, offering clean, transparent, and science-led ways to support lasting hair health. 

Resources

Active Peptide Company. (2014). Biotin-GHK in hair follicle and hair loss: Scientific presentation. https://www.activepeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Biotin-GHK-Presentation-Active-Peptide-Company.pdf

Alhanshali, L., Buontempo, M., Shapiro, J., & Lo Sicco, K. (2023). Medication-induced hair loss: An update. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 89(2S), S20–S28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.04.022

Dogra, S., & Sarangal, R. (2013). What’s new in cicatricial alopecia? Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 79(2), 145–154. https://ijdvl.com/whats-new-in-cicatricial-alopecia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Loh, S. H., Lew, B. L., & Sim, W. Y. (2018). Localized telogen effluvium following hair transplantation. Annals of Dermatology, 30(2), 214–216. https://doi.org/10.5021/AD.2018.30.2.214

Malkud S. (2015). Telogen Effluvium: A Review. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research : JCDR, 9(9), WE01–WE3. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2015/15219.6492

Moussa, A., Bokhari, L., & Sinclair, R. D. (2022). Alopecia areata: A review of disease pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Dermatology Practice, 28(1), 28–33. https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/download_file/5170/2865

Mysore, V. (2012). Finasteride in androgenetic alopecia: An update. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 5(1), 17–19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481923/

Oiwoh, Sebastine Oseghae1; Enitan, Ademola Olusegun2; Adegbosin, Olubola Titilope3; Akinboro, Adeolu Oladayo4; Onayemi, Emmanuel Olaniyi5. Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal 31(2):p 85-92, Apr–Jun 2024. https://journals.lww.com/npmj/fulltext/2024/31020/androgenetic_alopecia__a_review.1.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Peyravian, N., Deo, S., Daunert, S., & Jimenez, J. J. (2020). The Inflammatory Aspect of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss. Journal of inflammation research, 13, 879–881. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S275785

Pickart, L., & Margolina, A. (2018). Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7), 1987. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071987

Suchonwanit, P., Thammarucha, S., & Leerunyakul, K. (2019). Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug design, development and therapy, 13, 2777–2786. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S214907

Suchonwanit, P., Chalermroj, N., & Khunkhet, S. (2019). Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in Thai men and women: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science, 34(5), 1107–1114. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-018-02699-9

Syed, T. A., & Kaliyadan, F. (2025). Traction Alopecia. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470434/

Yoon, J. S., Ku, W. Y., Lee, J. H., & Ahn, H. C. (2020). Low-level light therapy using a helmet-type device for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A 16-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial. Medicine, 99(29), e21108. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/07170/Low_level_light_therapy_using_a_helmet_type_device.73.aspx