Most often, hair loss is due to pattern baldness—which differs for men and women. Other causes of hair loss can be: aging, hormonal shifts, illness, burns or environmental traumas.

Studies show that approximately 40 million men in the United States experience some form of male pattern baldness. Roughly 25% of men begin losing their hair before their 30^th birthday; approximately 66% begin before age 60. One study revealed that mid-frontal hair loss affects 74% of men and 57% of women over the age of 80 years.

Male pattern baldness usually begins in the late teens or 20’s with hair loss on the sides of the forehead—often called a “receding hairline.” A second bald patch often develops on the top of the head. It is believed that male pattern baldness is most often triggered by DHT, the robust sex hormone that promotes facial hair. Genes passed down from both sides of the family determine one’s likelihood of experiencing male pattern baldness.

For women, pattern baldness results in hair loss all over the head—but rarely results in a complete loss of hair. It can begin at any age and may not be due to a genetic pre-disposition. The condition is not clearly distinguishable from temporary hair loss due to other traumas, such as pregnancy or illness. Therefore, when a woman first notices a thinning of her hair, she cannot be sure if its cause until some time has passed.

Ludwig Classification of Female Pattern Baldness

Aside from alopecia and pattern baldness, there are several other kinds of hair loss.

• Traction alopecia is the result of pulling on the hair (often the inadvertent result of ponytails or cornrows).
• Trichotillomania is caused by compulsively pulling and bending the hair.
• Environmental traumas such as chemotherapy, surgery, poisoning and stress can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium.
• Tumors and skin disorders can cause localized baldness.
• Hypothyroidism can result in hair loss.
• Sebaceous cysts can cause hair loss.