Understanding Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms and How to Treat It

• 11 November 2025
• Dr Malay Mehta

One of the most common causes behind noticeable thinning or patchy loss is alopecia, a broad medical term used to describe different types of hair loss that affect both men and women.

While many people associate alopecia with complete baldness, the condition actually exists on a spectrum, from small patches of shedding to widespread loss across the scalp or body. Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is the first step toward managing symptoms effectively.

At Dr Malay Mehta’s Hair Transplant Clinic in Mumbai, our goal is to help patients understand why hair loss occurs and what can be done to restore scalp health and, where possible, stimulate regrowth. In this article, we’ll unpack what alopecia is, explore its underlying causes and symptoms and look at the treatment options that can help.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia refers to the loss of hair from areas where it normally grows, most often the scalp, but sometimes eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body regions. It is not a single disease but rather a group of conditions that interfere with the natural hair growth cycle.

Hair typically grows in four stages:

• Anagen (growth phase)
• Catagen (transition phase)
• Telogen (resting phase)
• Exogen (shedding phase)

When this cycle is disrupted, whether due to immune activity, genetics, hormones, or external damage, follicles may shrink, become inactive, or stop producing new hairs altogether. The result is visible thinning, patchiness, or total loss, depending on the severity.

Types of Alopecia

There are several distinct forms of alopecia, each with its own triggers and patterns of hair loss.

1. Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy follicles, causing small, round patches of hair loss on the scalp or body. In many cases, the follicles remain alive, and regrowth is possible once inflammation subsides.

2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male or Female Pattern Baldness)

This is the most common form of hair loss, driven by genetics and hormones such as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It usually develops gradually; men tend to experience a receding hairline or thinning crown, while women may notice diffuse thinning along the part line.

3. Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis

Advanced forms of alopecia areata, where hair loss extends to the entire scalp (Totalis) or the whole body (Universalis). Though more resistant to treatment, some individuals may experience partial or full regrowth over time.

4. Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia

This group of rare conditions involves inflammation that permanently damages follicles and replaces them with scar tissue. Early diagnosis is critical, as hair cannot regrow once follicles are destroyed.

5. Traction Alopecia

Caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair from tight hairstyles, braids, or extensions. If detected early, regrowth is usually possible once strain on the follicles is reduced.

Causes of alopecia can include genetics, hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies.

What Causes Alopecia?

The cause of alopecia depends on the specific type, but it often involves a combination of genetic, hormonal, immune and environmental factors.

Genetics

Inherited traits play a major role in androgenetic alopecia. A genetic sensitivity to DHT causes follicles to shrink gradually over time, resulting in thinner, shorter strands.

Autoimmune Activity

In autoimmune forms such as alopecia areata, the body’s immune system misidentifies hair follicles as threats and attacks them, leading to inflammation and shedding.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances, such as those triggered by PCOS, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, or menopause, can disrupt the growth cycle and increase shedding.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Hair requires nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin D and biotin to grow. Deficiencies can make strands brittle and hinder follicle repair.

Chronic Stress

Emotional or physical stress can push follicles into a resting state, leading to diffuse hair shedding known as telogen effluvium.

Medical Conditions and Treatments

Certain illnesses, infections, or medications, including chemotherapy, antidepressants and blood thinners, can temporarily affect growth and cause widespread loss.

Physical or Environmental Damage

Chemical treatments, harsh styling practices, or prolonged UV exposure can weaken follicles and worsen pre-existing alopecia.

Symptoms of Alopecia

Alopecia can present differently depending on its type and severity. Common symptoms include:

• Gradual or sudden thinning of hair on the scalp
• Round or oval bald patches that may merge over time
• Hair falling out in clumps during washing or brushing
• Tingling, itching, or mild burning of the scalp before hair loss
• Nail pitting or ridging (common in alopecia areata)
• In some cases, loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, or facial hair

Because these symptoms can overlap with other scalp conditions, early assessment by a qualified hair specialist is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Ways to treat alopecia include medical treatments, regenerative and advanced therapies, surgical solutions and holistic and supportive care.

How to Treat Alopecia

While there is currently no universal cure for alopecia, many treatments can slow progression, reduce inflammation and stimulate regrowth depending on the underlying cause.

1. Medical Treatments

Topical and Oral Medications
Medications such as minoxidil (applied to the scalp) and finasteride (taken orally, in men only) can help extend the hair growth phase and encourage regrowth in androgenetic alopecia.

Corticosteroid Therapy
For autoimmune alopecia, corticosteroid injections, topical creams, or oral medications may help reduce inflammation and allow follicles to recover.

Immunotherapy
Topical immunotherapy may be used in resistant alopecia areata to trigger mild allergic reactions that re-stimulate hair growth.

2. Regenerative and Advanced Therapies

Growth Factor Concentrate Therapy
This innovative procedure uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to revitalise dormant follicles and improve scalp health.

Mesotherapy
Tiny injections deliver vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the scalp to strengthen hair and support growth.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Light-based devices gently stimulate follicular activity, enhance circulation and reduce inflammation, promoting thicker and healthier hair.

3. Surgical Solutions

FUE Hair Transplant
Follicular Unit Extraction involves transplanting individual hair follicles from donor areas to thinning regions. It provides natural, lasting results for suitable candidates with stable hair loss patterns.

ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplant
Using AI-assisted precision, this robotic system performs graft extraction and implantation with remarkable accuracy and minimal trauma.

4. Holistic and Supportive Care

Lifestyle changes such as stress management, balanced nutrition and avoiding tight hairstyles can complement medical treatments. In addition, counselling and support groups can help individuals cope with the emotional effects of hair loss.

At Dr Malay Mehta’s Hair Transplant Clinic, every treatment plan begins with a detailed scalp analysis to determine the cause, type and stage of hair loss. From there, the team creates a tailored program combining medical, regenerative and aesthetic solutions to deliver the best possible results.

How to contact us

Phone: +91 7045291747
Another Phone: +91 8758691345
Email Us: drmalaymehta@gmail.com

6th Floor, Cosmos Court,
Vile Parle West Mumbai – 400056
Maharashtra, India

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FAQs

Is alopecia curable?

Alopecia currently has no permanent cure, but it can often be successfully managed. The prognosis varies based on the type and severity of the condition; some experience full recovery, while others manage symptoms long-term.

Is alopecia genetic?

Yes, genetics is a key factor in several forms, especially androgenetic alopecia. If close family members experience pattern baldness, your risk may be higher. However, autoimmune types like alopecia areata are not strictly hereditary and can develop unexpectedly due to environmental or immune triggers.

Is alopecia contagious?

No, alopecia is not contagious. It cannot spread through physical contact, sharing combs, or using the same hairbrush; it’s mainly caused by internal immune or hormonal factors.

What is the best way to treat alopecia?

The most effective treatment depends on the type and stage of alopecia. For autoimmune forms, corticosteroids and immunotherapy may help. For androgenetic alopecia, options like finasteride, minoxidil, or laser therapy are more suitable. Regenerative treatments such as GFC and mesotherapy can also enhance results when combined with medical management.

Can hair grow back with alopecia?

In many cases, yes. Hair can regrow once the underlying inflammation or hormonal imbalance is controlled. The extent and timing of regrowth vary from person to person. For patchy alopecia areata, follicles often remain alive under the skin and can produce new hair once recovery begins.

What makes alopecia go away?

Managing underlying causes, such as reducing stress, treating autoimmune inflammation, or balancing hormones, helps control symptoms and encourages regrowth. Consistent treatment and lifestyle adjustments are key. Working closely with a qualified hair specialist can help maintain progress and prevent recurrence.