Types of alopecia

Last updated: 6 February 2026. Next review: 6 February 2027

Alopecia simply means hair loss. There are different types of alopecia, and various medical conditions and side effects of treatments that can cause hair loss. Here we provide details of some of the most common hair loss conditions. This is not an exhaustive list.

Our Types of Alopecia pages have been reviewed by a Dermatologist, and our Lay Research Panel.

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Research study on online peer support spaces for alopecia areata

A research study by a Master's student at the University of Nottingham, studying how being active in online peer support spaces helps people with alopecia areata.
Feeling Hot Hot Hot!

When temperatures are high, it's hard to stay cool. Having alopecia certainly doesn't help. We share some ideas for staying cool and explain why you might be feeling the heat more than your hairier friends...
Clinical research advisory group

People with 'moderate' alopecia areata wanted for advisory group meeting in July.

Common Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Information about common treatments for Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds and can vary in severity from small round patches to complete hair loss across the scalp and body.
Alopecia and Covid-19 (New Coronavirus)

A statement from Alopecia UK regarding COVID-19 and vaccines.
Pattern Hair Loss

Pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss. It occurs in both men and women and becomes more common with increasing age. Around 50% of men over 50 and 50% of women over 65 are affected, though it can also start in younger adults and occasionally in early teen years.
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a type of scarring alopecia that primarily affects the scalp, most commonly in middle-aged women, although it also occurs in men, young adults, and, rarely, in children.
Can I dye my hair when I have alopecia?
Telogen Effluvium

In telogen effluvium (TE), more hairs than usual enter the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Instead of losing up to 100 hairs daily, some people may lose up to 300 hairs a day, resulting in noticeable thinning of hair volume.
Why does hair sometimes grow back white after alopecia areata?
A Guide to Wigs

Links to our downloaded PDF wig guide, and information on the NHS England wig report.
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