Alopecia is the general term for hair loss. It is important to see a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation as there are many different causes of hair loss. Alopecia can just be on the scalp or may affect the entire body. It can affect anyone, including men, women, children, or adults. 

Broadly, alopecia is classified into two categories:

1. Non-scarring alopecia – such as:  
   1. Androgenetic or hereditary alopecia – This is the most common type of hair loss. In men, this presents as bitemporal recession or thinning of hair along the crown. For women, this presents as thinning along the center of the scalp in a “Christmas tree” distribution.
   2. Alopecia Areata 
   3. Telogen effluvium 
   4. Traction alopecia (mild)
2. Scarring alopecia – such as:
   1. Discoid lupus erythematous
   2. Lichen planopilaris
   3. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
   4. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia 
   5. Traction alopecia (severe)

Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis and is personalized.