Stages of Hair Loss: Symptoms, Causes & What to Do

Blog Summary

Hair loss affects millions, but not all hair loss is the same. It is often a sign of something else, not just a condition on its own. Research shows that up to 50% of women and nearly 80% of men experience noticeable hair loss at some point in their lives. For some, it’s a gradual thinning linked to genetics. For others, it’s sudden shedding caused by stress, illness, or hormonal shifts. What’s important to know is that early changes, like a widening part, patchy spots, or increased hair fall, often offer clues about what’s happening beneath the surface.

Identifying the type of hair loss and recognizing your stage of hair loss can make a real difference, not only in reversing the hair loss but also in diagnosing underlying diseases. While some conditions are temporary and reversible, others may lead to permanent follicle damage if not treated early. Each type, whether it's androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or traction alopecia, follows its own pattern, and the sooner you understand that pattern, the better your chances of effective treatment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common symptoms, explain how hair loss is classified, and help you understand when it’s time to seek medical advice. From early signs to advanced stages, here’s what you need to know to take the next step toward diagnosis and care.

What Are the Major Types of Hair Loss?

Hair loss is usually divided into two main categories: non-scarring, where the hair follicles are still intact and regrowth may be possible, and scarring, where the follicles are permanently damaged. Knowing the difference between these types is important for choosing the right treatment and understanding the stages of hair loss linked to each.

Here are the key types of hair loss you’ll want to know:

Androgenetic Alopecia (male/female pattern baldness): A common non-scarring type of hair loss marked by diffuse thinning across the scalp in women and thinning crown or a receding hairline in men.
Telogen Effluvium: A temporary form of shedding triggered by emotional or physical stress, illness, surgery, or hormonal changes. Hair typically regrows as soon as the underlying cause is addressed.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune response that leads to sudden, oval or round bald patches on the scalp, often with normal surrounding skin. Regrowth may occur on its own or with medical treatment.
Traction Alopecia: A preventable type of hair loss caused by repeated tension from tight hairstyles. Hair can regrow if the tension is removed early and styling habits are changed.
Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia: A permanent form of hair loss caused by inflammation or autoimmune disorders, such as lichen planopilaris or frontal fibrosing alopecia. Early detection is important, as lost hair does not grow back naturally.

Classification Table: Major Types of Hair Loss

Type	Healing Potential	Examples
Non-scarring	Follicles intact; regrowth possible	Androgenetic alopecia, Telogen effluvium, Anagen effluvium, Alopecia areata, Trichotillomania, Traction alopecia, Tinea capitis, Frictional alopecia
Scarring (cicatricial)	Follicles permanently destroyed; no natural regrowth	CCCA, Lichen planopilaris, Frontal fibrosing alopecia, DLE, Folliculitis decalvans, Dissecting cellulitis, Alopecia mucinosa, Erosive pustular dermatosis

To explore how different stages of hair loss evolve, from early thinning to advanced patterns, read our detailed guide on the Norwood Scale [Insert Link].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss

Understanding your stages of baldness starts with noticing how hair loss is showing up. In some cases, it happens slowly over time. In others, it can feel sudden. Knowing whether the change has been gradual or abrupt helps point toward the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss

Gradual thinning on the crown or temples
Circular or patchy bald spots
Sudden hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium)
Receding hairline in an “M” shape
Full-body hair loss (autoimmune)
Broken or brittle strands

Now that we've covered general symptoms, we’ll focus on androgenetic alopecia — the most frequently diagnosed cause of hair loss in both men and women.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss)

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern baldness, is one of the most frequently diagnosed types of hair loss in both men and women. It tends to develop gradually and follows a predictable pattern influenced by genetics and hormones. Over time, sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes follicles to shrink, leading to thinner strands and gradual hair loss.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

In men, it usually begins with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown. These areas may eventually connect, creating an “M” shape. This progression is classified using the Hamilton–Norwood Scale with seven stages — from early recession to extensive baldness.

Female Pattern Hair Loss

In women, hair loss often shows as diffuse thinning across the scalp while the frontal hairline remains intact. It is commonly linked to hormonal changes or thyroid issues. Most women don’t go completely bald but may experience noticeable volume loss and slower regrowth.

Treatment Options for Androgenetic Alopecia

Advanced Regenerative Therapies

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Concentrated plasma injections help stimulate follicles, improve density, and slow shedding.
Surgical Intervention: Includes FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant).
DHT Implanter Pen Technique: Offers precise placement and natural direction control during transplants.

When addressed early, hair loss is easier to manage and may not require invasive procedures. At Kibo Clinic, treatment plans combine medical and surgical options tailored to each individual.

Clinical Case Example: Female Pattern Hair Loss and PRP Therapy

A clinical trial involving 30 women with female pattern hair loss treated with PRP showed that 83% experienced improvement in density and hair-pull tests within six months. This confirms PRP’s effectiveness, especially in early stages like Ludwig I–II, and its synergy with FUE.

Other Medically Recognised Hair Loss Conditions

Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune)

Sudden, round bald patches caused by immune attack on follicles. May resolve naturally or need corticosteroids. Transplants are not advised during active phases.

Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp (Scarring Disorder)

Inflammatory condition causing painful nodules and scarring. Needs antibiotics or isotretinoin before considering surgery.

Hair Shaft Abnormalities

Inherited or external damage leads to brittle hair. Examples: trichorrhexis nodosa, monilethrix, pili torti. Treatments focus on nutrition and avoiding damage.

Hypotrichosis (Congenital Sparse Hair)

Present from birth, with limited follicle formation. Transplants rarely viable. Managed with cosmetic approaches like micropigmentation or hair systems.

Summary Table: Other Hair Loss Conditions & Management

Condition	Pattern Type	Transplant Suitability	Primary Treatment Approach
Alopecia Areata	Patchy hair loss	No (early autoimmunity)	Steroids, immunotherapy
Dissecting Cellulitis	Scarring, inflamed scalp	No (until inflammation clears)	Antibiotics, isotretinoin
Hair Shaft Disorders	Brittle, broken strands	Rare (shaft quality issue)	Lifestyle, nutritional therapy
Hypotrichosis	Congenital sparse hair	Very limited	Genetic/medical follow-up

Hair Loss Stages & Progression Overview

Hair loss typically follows predictable stages, mapped by diagnostic scales.

Norwood Scale (Men)

No visible change
Slight temple thinning
M-shaped hairline
4–5. Crown thinning
6–7. Severe hair loss

Ludwig Scale (Women)

I. Mild part widening
II. Visible thinning
III. Advanced crown thinning

Understanding your stage helps plan effective, timely treatment before follicles become inactive.

Final Thoughts

Hair loss often reflects underlying conditions like hormonal changes, stress, or autoimmune disorders. Identifying the type early is key to preventing irreversible damage.
At Kibo Clinics, we approach hair restoration medically and cosmetically — combining diagnosis, science, and design for natural results.

If your hair loss seems more than seasonal shedding, book a diagnostic session at Kibo Clinics to understand the cause and start your recovery plan.

FAQs

What are the complications of hair loss?

Hair loss can affect confidence and may indicate underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalance or autoimmune disease.

How common is hair loss?

Up to 50% of men and 25% of women experience noticeable hair loss by age 50.

How is hair loss diagnosed?

Through scalp examination, pull tests, and lab investigations for hormonal or nutritional imbalances.

Is losing 200 hairs a day normal?

No. Losing 50–100 hairs daily is typical; more indicates possible alopecia or stress shedding.

How can I prevent hair loss?

Balanced diet, stress control, gentle styling, and early treatment using Minoxidil or PRP can help.

What questions should I ask the doctor?

Ask about type, stage, prognosis, and best-suited treatments for your condition.

How many new hairs grow daily?

The scalp grows 80–100 new hairs daily, depending on health and age.

Research References

https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/4/311
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10251289/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917549/

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