Stress-related alopecia is a type of hair loss triggered by severe stress or a traumatic event. During periods of stress, the hair growth cycle is disrupted, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely. This results in increased shedding and noticeable thinning of the hair, typically two to three months after the stressful event. Stress-related alopecia is generally temporary with hair regrowth resuming once stress is reduced. Effective management of stress and lifestyle modifications can help in the recovery process.

Telogen effluvium is the medical name for the method of loss, similar to stress related alopecia, where the hair growth cycle is disrupted, causing more hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely. As well as stress related this can have a variety of triggers, including hormonal changes, reactions to medicines, nutritional deficiencies and trauma. Once the triggering cause is resolved, telogen effluvium will usually abate and the normal regrowth cycle will resume.

Also known as compulsive hair pulling, trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterised by a compulsive urge to pull out your own hair. This condition often involves pulling hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or other body hair. The disorder can result in patches of baldness and sometimes, complications such as skin irritation or infections. In some cases the damage to the follicle caused by trichotillomania can be permanent and a transplant may be required to achieve growth in these areas once the trichotillomania is brought under control.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden hair loss in round patches on the scalp or other body areas. The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair shedding. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. The condition can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Hair loss can be unpredictable, with hair regrowth occurring spontaneously or not at all. Treatments include corticosteroids and immunotherapy to promote hair growth and manage symptoms.

Traction alopecia is caused by prolonged tension on the hair. This tension results from hairstyles that pull the hair tightly, such as braids, ponytails or buns, as well as from hair extensions or weaves. The consistent pulling weakens the hair follicles leading to thinning and hair loss especially around the hairline. Early signs include scalp redness and gradual hair thinning. Preventing traction alopecia involves adopting looser hairstyles and reducing the use of damaging hair practices. Early intervention can help reverse the effects however prolonged damage to the follicles may lead to a need for surgery.