Hair loss is one of the most common yet misunderstood health concerns worldwide. It affects men and women across all age groups and can be temporary, progressive, genetic, hormonal, or disease-related. For many people searching for a hair doctor, a hair doctor in Kathmandu, or a trusted hair doctor in Nepal, the first challenge is not treatment but understanding what type of hair loss they are experiencing.
This article serves one clear informational intent:
to explain the types of hair loss, how they differ, why they occur, and when medical evaluation is necessary.
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) refers to partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or body.
Losing 50–100 hairs per day is considered physiologically normal due to the natural hair growth cycle.
Hair loss becomes a medical concern when:
- Hair shedding is excessive or sudden
- Hair does not regrow over months
- Visible thinning or bald patches appear
- There is associated itching, pain, or scarring
Understanding the type of hair loss is essential because treatment, prognosis, and reversibility vary significantly.
The Human Hair Growth Cycle
Before exploring types, it is important to understand the hair cycle:
| Phase | Duration | Description |
| Anagen | 2–7 years | Active growth phase |
| Catagen | 2–3 weeks | Transitional phase |
| Telogen | ~3 months | Resting and shedding phase |
Disruption in this cycle leads to different patterns of hair loss.
Major Types of Hair Loss Explained
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide.
It affects:
- ~50% of men by age 50
- ~40% of women by age 60
Male Pattern Hair Loss
- Receding hairline
- Thinning at the crown
- Progresses to partial or complete baldness
Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Diffuse thinning over the crown
- Preserved frontal hairline
- Rarely leads to complete baldness
Primary cause:
Genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Key facts:
- Progressive but predictable
- Medically manageable, not curable
- Early diagnosis improves outcomes
This is the most common condition evaluated by a hair doctor in Nepal and a leading indication for hair transplant in Nepal when advanced.
2. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a form of reactive hair shedding.
Common triggers include:
- Severe illness or infection
- Surgery or childbirth
- Psychological stress
- Rapid weight loss
- Nutritional deficiencies
Clinical features:
- Sudden diffuse hair shedding
- No scarring or bald patches
- Positive hair pull test
Important insight:
Telogen effluvium is usually reversible once the trigger is addressed.
Many patients panic and seek a hair doctor fearing permanent baldness, but reassurance and correction of underlying causes are often sufficient.
3. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition.
The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing:
- Sudden round or oval bald patches
- Smooth, non-scarring scalp
- Possible eyebrow or beard involvement
Variants include:
- Alopecia totalis (entire scalp)
- Alopecia universalis (entire body)
Epidemiology:
- Affects ~2% of the population
- Can occur at any age
Key points:
- Unpredictable course
- Spontaneous regrowth possible
- Requires dermatological evaluation
This condition highlights why early consultation with a qualified hair doctor in Kathmandu matters.
4. Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia results from chronic mechanical pulling on hair.
Common causes:
- Tight ponytails or braids
- Dreadlocks
- Head coverings worn too tightly
Early signs:
- Hair thinning at temples or hairline
- Broken hairs
Advanced stages:
- Permanent follicle damage
- Scarring alopecia
This form is preventable and often seen in younger individuals.
5. Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a psychological hair-pulling disorder.
Features include:
- Irregular patches of hair loss
- Broken hairs of varying length
- Often associated with anxiety or OCD
Treatment requires:
- Behavioral therapy
- Psychiatric support
- Dermatological monitoring
A multidisciplinary approach is essential.
6. Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia
This is a permanent form of hair loss.
Hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue.
Causes include:
- Lichen planopilaris
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Severe infections or burns
Clinical clues:
- Smooth shiny scalp
- Loss of follicular openings
- Itching, pain, or redness
Early diagnosis by an experienced hair doctor in Nepal is critical to prevent progression.
7. Anagen Effluvium
This occurs when hair growth is abruptly interrupted.
Most commonly seen with:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Toxic exposures
Hair loss is:
- Rapid
- Diffuse
- Often reversible after treatment cessation
Hair Loss in Men vs Women: Key Differences
| Feature | Men | Women |
| Most common type | Androgenetic alopecia | Androgenetic + telogen effluvium |
| Pattern | Receding hairline, crown | Diffuse crown thinning |
| Hormonal role | High | Significant |
| Social impact | High | Often underestimated |
When Should You See a Hair Doctor?
Consult a qualified hair doctor if:
- Hair loss is sudden or severe
- Bald patches appear
- Hair loss is associated with pain or scaling
- There is family history of early baldness
- Hair shedding persists beyond 6 months
In Nepal, specialized evaluation often includes:
- Clinical scalp examination
- Dermoscopy
- Blood investigations when indicated
Role of Hair Transplant in Context
Hair transplant in Nepal is not a treatment for all hair loss types.
It is appropriate only when:
- Hair loss is stable
- Follicles are permanently lost
- Donor area is healthy
Conditions like telogen effluvium or alopecia areata are not indications for transplant.
This distinction is emphasized by experienced clinicians such as Dr. Parash Shrestha, who advocates diagnosis-first, procedure-later decision making.
Evidence-Based Perspective
- Genetic hair loss is the most prevalent globally
- Up to 30% of women experience significant hair thinning during their lifetime
- Nutritional deficiencies remain a major contributor in South Asia
- Early medical evaluation improves long-term outcomes
These conclusions are supported by international dermatology literature and regional clinical data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is all hair loss permanent?
No. Many types, such as telogen effluvium, are temporary and reversible.
Does oiling or shampoo choice stop hair loss?
No product alone can stop medical hair loss. Hygiene supports scalp health but does not alter genetic or autoimmune conditions.
Is hair loss always genetic?
No. Stress, illness, nutrition, and autoimmune disorders are common non-genetic causes.
Can women undergo hair transplant?
Yes, but only after proper diagnosis and pattern assessment.
Is early treatment important?
Yes. Early intervention preserves follicles and expands treatment options.
Medical Review Note
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy using standard dermatology references and reflects current clinical understanding as of 2026.
It is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical consultation.
Final Takeaway
Hair loss is not a single disease but a spectrum of conditions with different causes, outcomes, and treatments.
Understanding the type of hair loss is the foundation of effective management.
For anyone seeking clarity from a hair doctor in Kathmandu or across Nepal, diagnosis should always come before decisions about treatment or procedures.