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Understanding Hair Loss

Hair loss (alopecia) is very common — but not all hair loss behaves the same.

The most important first step is determining whether the hair follicles are still alive. This tells us if hair can grow back or if treatment is focused on preventing further loss.

Understanding Hair Loss: Scarring vs Non-Scarring Alopecia

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Non-Scarring Hair Loss (Most Common — Often Reversible)

In non-scarring alopecia, the hair follicles are still present under the skin. They may be inactive, inflamed, hormonally affected, or temporarily stressed — but they are not destroyed. Because the follicles remain intact, regrowth is usually possible once the underlying cause is treated. Common examples include:

  • Male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
  • Stress-related shedding (telogen effluvium)
  • Autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata)
  • Hair pulling (trichotillomania)
  • Fungal infections of the scalp (tinea capitis)
  • Medication or chemotherapy-related shedding

Treatment focuses on reactivating follicles and correcting the trigger — such as hormones, inflammation, nutritional issues, illness, or medications.

Scarring Hair Loss (Permanent — Requires Early Treatment)

In scarring alopecia (also called cicatricial alopecia), inflammation damages and permanently destroys the hair follicle. Once this happens, the hair cannot regrow from that follicle. The scalp may appear red, shiny, smooth, scaly, tender, or develop pustules.

Common causes include:

  • Lichen planopilaris
  • Discoid lupus of the scalp
  • Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)
  • Folliculitis decalvans

Here, treatment focuses on stopping the disease early — calming inflammation and preventing additional follicles from being lost. Early diagnosis is critical because untreated scarring alopecia can continue to spread silently.

Hair loss is not just cosmetic — it is a medical condition. Identifying the type early allows us to choose the right therapy and protect your long-term hair density.

If you notice increased shedding, patchy hair loss, scalp symptoms (itching, burning, pain), or visible scalp changes, a professional evaluation is recommended as soon as possible.

If you notice increased shedding, patchy hair loss, scalp symptoms (itching, burning, pain), or visible scalp changes, a professional evaluation is recommended as soon as possible.

Contact Aesthetics and Medical Lasers of Colorado – Dermatology

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Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Two patients may both notice thinning hair — but one may fully regrow hair while the other risks permanent loss without treatment. Sometimes diagnosis is made by examination alone, while other times a scalp biopsy helps confirm the condition and determine activity.

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Aesthetics & Medical Lasers of Colorado – Clinical Dermatology

Locations

700 Tenacity Drive #102 Longmont, Colorado, 80504

2801 Remington Street Suite 2, Fort. Collins, Colorado, 80525

Contact

720-818-0533

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM Sunday: By Appoinment only