Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments for Hair Loss

The word Alopecia is simply the medical term for hair loss. In other words Alopecia is the umbrella term for various types of hair loss. Below are some of the most common forms:

Androgenic Alopecia

Perhaps the most common type of hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia which is also referred to as ‘male or female pattern baldness’. The loss usually has a pattern of receding hairline and gradual thinning of the crown over time. As its name suggests, Androgenic Alopecia is a genetic condition. If left untreated in its earlier state total baldness in those areas may occur.

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss is also known as ‘spot baldness’ as it usually results in patchy spots all over the scalp or other places where hair usually grows including the beard. Alopecia Areata is believed to be an autoimmune skin condition which is often linked to other autoimmune conditions such as lupus, vitiligo, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. In most cases total recovery is attained especially once the underlining issues are properly addressed.

Telogen Effluvium

The Telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. Telegen Effluvium is experienced when hair follicles are prematurely pushed into this phase of rest due to stress, nutrient deficiency, and/or illness. Diet and supplementation are often very effective in eradicating this condition but much like other types of hair loss, early treatment increases the chances of recovery.

Traction Alopecia

This condition is strictly the result of poor styling habits that places tension on the hair such as tight ponytails, sleeking the edges, braids, tight headgears (headwraps, hats, wigs etc). Continuous pulling over time damages the hair root and could result in permanent loss. If actions are taken during the early stages of Traction Alopecia, total recovery is likely especially if one’s body is already in a state that encourages hair growth (adequate nutrients, limited stress, etc).

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

CCCA is almost exclusive to black women as it is very rarely seen in others. Hair begins thinning in the crown area and may spread throughout the scalp in a circular or centrifugal pattern overtime. Unlike the aforementioned types of Alopecia, CCCA is believed to cause permanent scaring to the follicle preventing regrowth. The cause of this condition is not yet known but resent research indicates a specific rear gene was present in all participants. Many dermatologists and trichologists have reported improvements via anti-inflammatory topical and internal treatments. However, it is often said that the follicles that are already damaged cannot be restored. Treatment for this condition is often for the sake of preventing further loss.

Fire Naturals Views on Alopecia

We at Fire Naturals purposely refrained from providing the various symptoms affiliated with the type of Alopecia above. This is because we do not wish for our customers to self-diagnose or become overwhelmed or confused in figuring out what treatments are best without a proper diagnostic from a health practitioner. While, our products and services are thoroughly researched and developed to help address many issues related to the aforesaid types of Alopecia, we urge our customers to seek medical assistance first. Our biggest concern is your overall heath so we want you to acknowledge that the condition of your hair is often a reflection of what is happening inside your body. Please utilize the appropriate treatment(s) along with proper diet, an effective hair care regimen, supplementation, toxic-free hair products, stress reduction, etc. In addition, please be patient during your quest to halt hair loss and/or recovery your tresses because hair growth is a biological process.