Last updated on May 19, 2025
Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and can occur for a variety of reasons—genetics, stress, hormones, and more. But not all hair loss is the same. There are many different types of hair loss, and understanding which one you’re dealing with is the first step to finding the right treatment.
Whether you’re researching types of hair loss in women, exploring types of hair loss in men, or just want to understand all types of hair loss, this guide is here to help. We’ll also cover recommended treatment options offered at The Crown Clinic, including both hair transplant surgery and non-surgical solutions.
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss)
What it is:
Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this is the most common type of hair loss. It’s genetic and progressive, meaning it gets worse over time without treatment.
In men, it usually starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown, eventually leading to baldness.
In women, it often shows as a widening part or overall thinning across the top of the scalp, while maintaining the hairline.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
FUE Hair Transplant Surgery – Ideal for restoring density in areas of thinning or baldness caused by pattern hair loss.
CPI Direct Hair Implantation – Provides precise control over placement, which is especially helpful for natural-looking hairlines.
Sapphire Hair Transplant – Offers enhanced aesthetic results and is well-suited for refining frontal areas.
Medical-grade hair care products – Helps slow progression and support overall scalp health.
2. Telogen Effluvium
What it is:
This is a temporary shedding phase that happens when the body experiences stress—whether physical (surgery, illness, childbirth) or emotional. It pushes hair from the growth phase into the resting (shedding) phase all at once, leading to noticeable thinning.
What it looks like:
Diffused thinning all over the scalp, rather than patches or bald spots.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
Growth Factor Therapy – Supports hair follicle recovery and encourages regrowth in cases of temporary shedding.
Medical hair care products – Reinforce follicle strength and improve scalp condition during recovery.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to total scalp or body hair loss.
3. Alopecia Areata
What it is:
An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
What it looks like:
Sudden appearance of round, bald patches on the scalp or body. In some cases, it can lead to total scalp or body hair loss (alopecia totalis or universalis).
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) – Conceals patchy loss and offers a fuller-looking scalp.
FUE Hair Transplant – Can restore hair in stable, non-active areas if patches do not regrow.
4. Traction Alopecia
What it is:
Caused by repeated tension or pulling on hair from tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, extensions, or frequent use of heat tools.
What it looks like:
Thinning or balding near the hairline, temples, or nape of the neck.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
FUE Hair Transplant – Restores hair in areas where follicles have been damaged by tension (e.g., edges, temples).
SMP – Offers a cosmetic solution for mild to moderate hair loss.
Lifestyle adjustments – Prevent future damage and preserve healthy growth.
5. Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia
What it is:
A rare group of disorders where inflammation permanently destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. This leads to permanent hair loss.
What it looks like:
Patchy bald spots that may feel smooth or have a scarred appearance. Can be painful or itchy in some cases.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
FUE or Sapphire Hair Transplant – Suitable when scarring is stable and surrounding tissue can support graft survival.
SMP – Effectively camouflages scarred areas where transplants may not be possible.
6. Anagen Effluvium
What it is:
A sudden form of hair loss during the anagen (growth) phase, usually caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
What it looks like:
Rapid, extensive hair shedding across the entire scalp and body.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
Growth Factor Therapy – A regenerative treatment to support recovery of weakened follicles and encourage early regrowth once treatment is complete.
FUE Hair Transplant – May be considered in cases where hair loss becomes permanent and there’s sufficient donor hair available. A thorough assessment is required to determine suitability.
7. Trichotillomania
What it is:
A psychological condition where individuals compulsively pull out their own hair, often triggered by anxiety or stress.
What it looks like:
Broken hair strands and patchy areas of hair loss, often with irregular shapes and scattered patterns.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
FUE Hair Transplant – Only suitable once hair-pulling behaviour has stopped and if there’s a stable donor area. Each case is individually assessed for safety and success likelihood.
SMP – Can be used to cosmetically fill in sparse areas and improve the appearance of fullness.
8. Hormonal Hair Loss (e.g. Postpartum, Menopause, Thyroid Conditions)
What it is:
Hormonal fluctuations can impact the hair growth cycle, leading to temporary or ongoing hair thinning. This is common after pregnancy, during menopause, or with thyroid disorders.
What it looks like:
Thinning across the scalp, often with increased shedding.
Treatment Options at The Crown Clinic:
Growth Factor Therapy – A gentle way to revitalise follicles affected by hormonal imbalance.
FUE Hair Transplant Surgery – For long-term hairline or density restoration if hair doesn’t return naturally.
Book a Free Hair Consultation
Worried about hair loss or noticing changes in your hair that concern you?
At The Crown Clinic, we bring over 50 years of experience in hair restoration and offer a truly personalised, doctor-led approach to treatment. Whether you’re exploring FUE hair transplantation or non-surgical options, our expert team will take the time to understand your medical history, hair loss concerns, and goals—so we can recommend a solution that works for you.
Call us on +61 2 9134 4788 or book a free consultation here.
FAQs
What are the most common types of hair loss in men and women?
Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) is the most common, followed by telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.
Can all types of hair loss be treated with a hair transplant?
Not always. Hair transplant surgery works best for permanent hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia or traction alopecia. A consultation is needed to assess your suitability.
How do I know which type of hair loss I have?
A consultation with a qualified hair restoration specialist is essential. At The Crown Clinic, we assess your scalp, hair density, and medical history before recommending treatment.
Are there non-surgical options for all kinds of hair loss?
Yes, treatments like growth factor therapy, SMP, and medical-grade products can benefit early-stage or temporary hair loss
Can stress-related hair loss be reversed?
Yes, telogen effluvium caused by stress is often temporary and can be reversed with the right care, support, and sometimes medical treatment.
General Information Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
About The Author
Dr Tony Prochazka
Dr Tony Prochazka is one of Australia’s leading cosmetic doctors, specialising in advanced hair restoration techniques, including FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplants, cosmetic procedures, and non-surgical treatments. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in delivering personalized solutions for men and women seeking natural-looking hair restoration and aesthetic enhancements.
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