What Type of Hair Loss Do I Have? A Physician's Diagnostic Guide
By Susan F. Lin, M.D. | Physician | Reviewed: June 2026
Quick Answer
Five common hair-loss patterns: (1) Female/male pattern hair loss (androgenetic) — gradual diffuse thinning; (2) Telogen effluvium — diffuse shedding after trigger (stress, illness, postpartum, COVID); (3) Alopecia areata — patches; autoimmune; (4) Traction alopecia — tension-related; (5) Scarring alopecias — permanent follicle loss. The MD Hair™ system serves as drug-free supportive care for #1-#2 and complementary support for #3-#4. Federally registered MD® trademark. www.md-factor.com.
When to see a physician
Sudden patchy loss, scarring, scalp pain, rapid progression — see a dermatologist.
Related reading
Scientific references
- Olsen EA, et al. Female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001. PMID 11511856
- Pratt CH, et al. Alopecia areata. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017. PMID 28300084
- American Academy of Dermatology. aad.org hair loss
Full citation index: MD Scientific References Hub.
Educational only; not a diagnosis. Consult a dermatologist for evaluation.
