Causes of hair loss

Are You Starting to Notice Hair Loss? Have you begun to see the first signs of thinning hair or baldness? If so, you may be experiencing the early stages of alopecia. The good news is that several effective treatment options are available. In this article, we explain the main causes of hair loss and the treatments that can help, from medical therapies to hair transplantation.

Androgenetic Alopecia

The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss. It is hereditary and can be inherited from either the maternal or paternal side of the family. The condition progresses gradually and, without treatment, is permanent.

In men, androgenetic alopecia usually begins at the temples and frontal hairline before progressing towards the crown. In women, hair loss is typically more diffuse and rarely progresses to complete baldness.

Treatment options include medical hair restoration therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), carboxytherapy, oral medication and, when appropriate, hair transplantation. Regenerative treatments can improve hair density by strengthening miniaturised follicles, while hair transplantation provides a permanent solution for areas where follicles have already been lost.

Alopecia Areata

Another, less common, cause of hair loss is alopecia areata. This autoimmune condition causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in well-defined round or oval patches of hair loss.

Although its exact cause remains unclear, both genetic predisposition and stress are thought to contribute to its development.

Alopecia areata often progresses in episodes, with periods of improvement followed by new flare-ups. Current treatment options primarily include medications such as corticosteroids and minoxidil, although all therapies should be prescribed and monitored by a physician experienced in hair disorders.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a rarer form of scarring alopecia that predominantly affects women. It usually begins with recession of the frontal hairline and may also involve the eyebrows and, in some cases, body hair.

Its progression is generally slow and may eventually stabilise.

Traction Alopecia

Unlike other types of alopecia, traction alopecia is caused by repeated mechanical stress on the hair. Tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails or buns, frequent use of hair extensions, or repetitive pulling of the hair can gradually damage the follicles.

If diagnosed early, treatment may simply involve eliminating the underlying cause before permanent follicular damage occurs.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss is not limited to androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Other contributing factors include chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, physical trauma, hormonal changes and certain medications, all of which can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.

Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia

Several effective treatments are available for androgenetic alopecia. At Instituto Médico del Prado, we emphasise the importance of receiving treatment in a specialised medical clinic equipped with the appropriate technology and led by experienced physicians.

Depending on the stage of hair loss, treatment may include oral medication, PRP therapy, mesotherapy, carboxytherapy or hair transplantation.

Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Successful treatment of alopecia areata begins with an accurate diagnosis, as its management differs significantly from other forms of hair loss.

At Instituto Médico del Prado, every patient is personally evaluated by Dr. Espinosa Custodio, ensuring that the diagnosis is correct before any treatment plan is recommended.

Treatments for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Because frontal fibrosing alopecia is an immune-mediated condition, corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed to slow disease progression.

If the condition has stabilised, options such as scalp micropigmentation or even hair transplantation may be considered to restore cosmetic appearance.

Treatments for Traction Alopecia

When traction alopecia is diagnosed early, simply eliminating the source of repeated tension may allow the hair to recover naturally.

If permanent thinning has already developed, medical treatments such as regenerative therapies, carboxytherapy or PRP may help improve hair density. In more advanced cases, hair transplantation can provide a permanent and natural-looking restoration.

El Doctor Espinosa Custodio trabaja en el Instituto Médico del Prado, su clínica capilar en Madrid o en Ciudad de México. Si desea concertar una cita, puede contactar con nosotros en el teléfono 912 468 664, en el WhatsApp 627 396 322 o en la página de contacto de nuestra web. Si contacta desde México, nuestro teléfono es el +52 55 4590 9909.