Hair loss (alopecia) is a broad term that describes reduced hair density or shedding beyond what’s expected.
## The most common types
- Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium (stress/illness/deficiency-related shedding)
- Alopecia areata (autoimmune, patchy)
- Traction alopecia (tension/hairstyles)
- Scarring alopecias (inflammatory; require medical evaluation)
## Why it happens
Hair loss can be driven by genetics, hormones, inflammation, nutrition, medication effects, or mechanical factors.