What is Alopecia?

What is Alopecia? A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Causes, and Solutions

Updated and Reviewed by New England Associates® October 29, 2025

Alopecia is a medical term used to describe hair loss. While the word itself is simple, the experience is complex. In fact, it covers a range of conditions, from common thinning that occurs with age (pattern baldness) to autoimmune disorders. These can result in sudden, total hair loss.

Understanding what is alopecia is the crucial first step in finding the right solution and regaining control of your appearance and confidence.

The Main Types of Alopecia

When people ask, “What is alopecia?”, they are usually referring to one of these common forms. Hair loss is typically classified in two primary ways:

1. By Clinical Pattern (The Most Common Types)

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as Male/Female Pattern Baldness. This is the most prominent type, which is hereditary and hormone-driven (due to DHT). It affects up to 70% of men and 40% of women.
• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in sudden, round patches of hair loss.
• Alopecia Totalis: An advanced form of Alopecia Areata resulting in the complete loss of hair on the scalp.
• Alopecia Universalis: The most advanced form, resulting in the complete loss of all hair on the scalp, face (eyebrows, eyelashes), and body.

2. By Follicle Condition (Scarring vs. Non-Scarring)

Alopecia is also clinically categorized based on the state of the hair follicle, although the terms “scarring” and “non-scarring” can be confusing as they don’t always mean visible scars:

• Non-Scarring: The hair follicles are still intact. Symptoms can involve diffuse hair loss, a receding hairline, or broken hair. Loss of eyelashes, eyebrows, or other body hair is also possible. This type of hair loss can often be reversed or treated. Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata are typically non-scarring.
• Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia: The hair follicles are permanently destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. Symptoms often include localized inflammation and follicle loss toward the center of lesions. Violet-colored skin abnormalities and scaling may also occur. This is irreversible, and hair replacement is often the best solution. You can read more about Scarring Alopecia here.

Comprehensive Causes of Alopecia

Hair loss is rarely due to a single factor. Successful treatment relies on addressing the underlying causes, which can include:

• Genetics & Hormones: The primary cause of Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia) due to the hormone DHT.
• Autoimmune Response: The direct cause of Alopecia Areata and related conditions (Totalis, Universalis).
• Stress & Trauma: Severe physical or emotional stress, or physiological events like pregnancy, can temporarily trigger excessive shedding (Telogen Effluvium). It also includes self-inflicted damage from pulling at your own hair (Trichotillomania).
• Medications & Deficiencies: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, or result from nutritional issues like iron deficiency, poor diet, or lack of essential vitamins.
• Scalp Health & Infections: Bacterial infections, skin disorders, or poor scalp hygiene (sebum and debris accumulation) can lead to follicle damage or hinder growth.

At New England Associates®, we offer a full spectrum of clinical, cosmetic, and non-surgical solutions focused on promoting growth and restoring a full, natural appearance. Treatments vary per person and may include:

Therapeutic Solutions: Clearing the Path for Growth

For clients with hair loss or thinning hair, creating a clear, healthy scalp environment is the first step. To achieve this, our specialized treatments focus on preparing the scalp to maximize the effect of topical products like HairStart® Advanced Growth™ and other growth stimulants.

HairStart® DexPan™ Scalp Preparation is a vital part of this process:

• It Clears the Path: DexPan™ helps dissolve the sebum that clogs your hair follicles and blocks the absorption of growth formulas.
• It Boosts Absorption: This B Vitamin-rich formula is clinically proven to increase the permeability of the scalp layer, ensuring your topical treatments penetrate effectively.

Our programs often combine advanced treatments like HairStart® Laser Hair Replacement Therapy with powerful the nutritional support of our HairStart® Essentials™.

Non-Surgical Hair Replacement: The Undetectable Choice

For those dealing with severe forms of alopecia or those seeking an immediate, reliable hair restoration, our advanced Non-Surgical Hair Replacement systems offer a guaranteed alopecia solution. These customized systems are designed to withstand active living—from swimming to high-intensity exercise. They will never compromise your appearance, giving you a natural-looking hairline 24/7.

If you have asked, “What is alopecia?” and are ready to explore solutions that work for your specific type and lifestyle, we are here to help.

Keep in mind, never diagnose yourself. Instead, the best thing you can do is see a hair expert. We encourage you to take the time and review your options. Then, come in for a no-cost, no-obligation private hair loss consultation.

Ready to Discuss Your Personalized Solution?

Understanding the types and causes of alopecia is the first step, but the final step is getting the right treatment.

Hair loss is complex, and effective treatment requires a personalized approach. At New England Associates®, we offer a range of clinically proven, non-surgical, and holistic solutions.

Don’t wait to address your hair loss. Schedule your FREE consultation today to discuss your specific alopecia diagnosis and explore the best treatment options available for you. At New England Associates®, how you feel about your hair loss and making the right choice to solve it matters.

“Look as Good as You Feel!™”
Make New England Associates^®
“Your First Step to a Better Looking Future!™”

Since 1982 New England Associates^® has known hair loss is as individual as you are. New England Associates^® offers all of the procedures that work to repair, replace, restore, and grow hair. We are members of the American Hair Loss Council and the Better Business Bureau. Locations include Wakefield, MA and Manchester, NH. Our hair restoration options include hair and scalp treatments, non-medical hair replacement, laser hair therapy treatments, hair transplants, and shampoos and vitamins for fine and thinning hair.