MANË RESOURCES Hair & scalp knowledge

Alopecia

One term. Many causes. Care starts with understanding why.

Understanding hair losswww.maneapp.com

01 What alopecia means

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It can affect the scalp, beard or other body areas and may appear as thinning, shedding or patches. It is not one diagnosis: the cause determines whether hair can regrow and which care or treatment may help. ^{1, 2, 3}

Possible contributors ^{2, 4, 5}

Inherited pattern hair loss
Immune-related follicle changes
Repeated pulling or tension
Illness, medicines or nutritional issues

02 Three care priorities

Find the cause early

See a dermatologist for new or ongoing hair loss. Your history and scalp examination help determine whether tests or treatment are needed. ³

Reduce tension and damage

Loosen styles that pull. Avoid painful braids or extensions, limit heat, and detangle gently to protect fragile hair. ^{5, 6}

Choose a tailored plan

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Discuss benefits and risks with your clinician; do not assume a hair-growth supplement is necessary or harmless. ^{3, 6}

03 Types worth understanding

Pattern hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia is inherited and commonly causes gradual thinning. ^{2, 1}

It differs from sudden shedding after illness or major stress.

Alopecia areata

An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. ^{4, 1}

It can affect scalp or body hair; it is not the name for every type of alopecia.

Traction & scarring

Repeated pulling can cause traction alopecia. Scarring disorders destroy follicles. ^{5, 2}

Some hair loss becomes permanent, making early assessment important.