Shedding happens. But here’s how to tell when it’s something more.
You’ve been doing everything “right.” Silk pillowcases. Scalp massages. A borderline-romantic relationship with your bond-building shampoo. And still, your ponytail is thinner, your part feels wider, and you’re side-eyeing your brush like it just betrayed you.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. Hair shedding is completely normal (yep, up to 100 strands a day), but when it turns excessive, patchy, or stubbornly persistent, it might be pointing to something bigger. Enter: alopecia.
And no, alopecia doesn’t always look like total bald spots or dramatic fallout overnight. Sometimes, it sneaks in slowly, like a receding hairline that suddenly feels suspicious or baby hairs that never quite grow back. It’s a loaded word, sure, but spotting the signs early can make all the difference in how you treat it, and how you feel about it.
In today’s guide, we’re unpacking how you can tell if you have alopecia, what different types of hair loss really look like, and how to move forward (mentally, emotionally, and practically). Plus, we’ll cover traction alopecia (yes, your snatched pony could be part of the problem), common triggers, and some seriously helpful solutions—if that’s switching up your styling routine, getting a professional opinion, or finding a hairpiece that makes you feel like you again.
We’ve got you, girl
What does alopecia look like in real life?
Hair shedding is normal. Truly. Most of us lose 50 to 100 strands a day just from brushing, shampooing, and going about life. But alopecia is different, it’s not just about losing hair, it’s about NOT getting it back (cry). And often, it shows up in ways that are subtle at first, but noticeable over time.
This could mean your ponytail doesn’t wrap as many times as it used to. Or your part is suddenly looking a little wider. Maybe you’re seeing patchy areas that feel smooth or look oddly round, especially around your temples, crown, or hairline. Some people even start noticing thinning in areas they didn’t expect, like brows, lashes, or body hair.
It’s not always dramatic clumps falling out in the shower. Sometimes, the red flags are slow burns: gradual thinning, more visible scalp, or bald patches you never saw coming.
The kicker? Alopecia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or hair type. It’s not just something your older relatives dealt with. It’s something thousands of women, including people in their 20s and 30s, are navigating every single day.
If your hair feels different, and it’s been that way for more than a few weeks, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.
Different types of alopecia—and how they show up
Not all alopecia is created equal. In fact, the word “alopecia” is just a fancy umbrella term for hair loss, but under that umbrella are a few very different situations. Understanding which one you’re dealing with is important—not just for peace of mind, but for finding the right treatment (and not wasting time on the wrong stuff).
Here’s a no-jargon breakdown of the most common types.
1. Alopecia areata
This one’s sneaky. It usually starts with one or two round, smooth bald patches on the scalp, brows, or beard area. It can stay small or progress to more widespread loss. It’s an autoimmune thing—your body basically gets confused and attacks the hair follicles. Fun! The good news? It’s often temporary, and regrowth can happen with the right support and treatment plan.
2. Androgenetic alopecia
Also known as female pattern hair loss. This one’s gradual. It’s more of a slow fade than a dramatic exit, typically showing up as overall thinning, especially at the crown and part line. It’s often hormonal and sometimes genetic, which is why it tends to pop up post-pregnancy, during perimenopause, or thanks to PCOS.
3. Telogen effluvium
Hair stress syndrome, basically. It shows up after major stressors—illness, surgery, crash dieting, big emotional trauma. A whole bunch of hairs jump ship all at once, usually 2–3 months after the triggering event. The kicker is: it’s often temporary and totally reversible once your body recovers.
4. Traction alopecia
Calling all slick-back girlies, braiders, and extension lovers. This type is caused by chronic tension—think tight ponytails, braids, wigs, or glued-in styles—that literally pull the hair from the root over time. It often starts around the edges and temples, and the earlier you catch it, the better chance you have of turning things around.
5. Alopecia totalis and universalis
These are rarer and more intense. Totalis = losing all scalp hair. Universalis = losing every strand from head to toe. Both are advanced forms of alopecia areata and involve a deeper level of autoimmune involvement. If you're here, you're probably already working with a derm.
Still unsure what type you’re dealing with? That’s what a proper diagnosis is for (dermatologist appointment = your best friend here). But knowing the signs gives you a major head start.
What causes alopecia? (Spoiler: it’s not always what you think.)
Hair doesn’t just fall out “for no reason”—even if it feels like that sometimes. There’s usually a trigger, or a mix of triggers, messing with your scalp’s normal rhythm. And figuring out what’s going on under the surface? That’s your first real step toward doing something about it.
Here are some of the most common culprits behind different types of alopecia.
🧬 Genetics
If your mom, aunt, or grandma noticed thinning hair as they got older, there’s a chance you’re seeing a similar pattern. This is classic androgenetic alopecia at work, and it tends to sneak in slowly over time.
🩺 Autoimmune response
In cases like alopecia areata, your immune system gets confused and starts attacking healthy hair follicles. Why does it happen? Still kind of a mystery—but stress, infections, and even vaccines have been linked to flare-ups in people who are genetically prone.
🎢 Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, switching birth control—yep, your hormones can absolutely mess with your hair’s growth cycle. If your shedding started after a big hormonal shift, that’s likely part of the story.
💊 Medications and health conditions
Certain prescriptions (like antidepressants or acne meds), thyroid issues, anemia, and PCOS can all mess with your scalp’s balance. If your hair’s falling out and nothing else seems off, it might be worth checking in with your doctor and running some labs.
😫 Chronic stress
Not to sound dramatic, but stress can be a full-on villain here. When your body is under constant pressure (hi, work deadlines, breakups, global chaos), it shifts energy away from “non-essential” stuff—like hair growth.
🍽️ Nutrient deficiencies
Low iron, not enough protein, vitamin D dips—all of these can lead to excessive shedding. If you’ve changed your diet lately or you’re skipping meals on the regular, your hair might be the first place it shows up.
💇♀️ Hair habits
This one’s sneaky. If you’re constantly wearing tight buns, sleeping in braids, or using harsh chemical treatments, you might be slowly setting the stage for traction alopecia. And once that damage is done, it’s hard to reverse—so prevention is key.
Point is: hair loss isn’t “just happening.” There’s a reason—and once you figure that out, you can take back control (and your edges).
How to treat alopecia (and see results)
Okay, girl, so you’ve figured out your hair is falling out more than usual, and now you’re spiraling through Google looking for a miracle cure. Take a deep breath. The good news? There are options. The tricky part? Alopecia isn’t one-size-fits-all, so the right treatment depends on what’s actually causing your hair loss.
Let’s break it down by type, so you’re not wasting time (or money) on stuff that won’t work for you.
For androgenetic alopecia (aka hereditary hair thinning)
You’re seeing gradual thinning—often at the crown, part line, or temples. If it runs in your family, this is likely your culprit.
Try this:
– Topical minoxidil (think: Rogaine) to help prolong the growth phase and boost density
– Low-level laser therapy tools (yes, they actually have science behind them)
– Supplements with biotin, saw palmetto, and vitamin D
– Chat with a derm about spironolactone or oral minoxidil if things feel more serious
For alopecia areata (aka autoimmune flare-ups)
This one hits suddenly—round patches, sometimes even eyebrow or lash loss.
Try this:
– Corticosteroid injections or topical immunotherapy from a dermatologist
– Newer treatments like JAK inhibitors (they’re making waves)
– Managing stress levels like it’s your full-time job (seriously)
For traction alopecia (aka style-induced damage)
Edges thinning? Bald spots? Living in tight braids or slick buns? This might be your category.
Try this:
– Let your scalp breathe—ditch tight styles and switch to silk pillowcases
– Massage your scalp with castor oil to boost blood flow
– Protective styles that don’t pull (they do exist)
– Explore hair systems or extensions (We at The Lauren Ashtyn Collection are *literally* built for this)
For stress- or nutrient-based shedding (telogen effluvium)
Usually shows up months after major life stuff—breakups, burnout, illness, crash diets.
Try this:
– Prioritize rest, hydration, and easy movement (a.k.a. wellness, not pressure)
– Check your vitamin levels—especially B12, D, iron, and zinc
– Up your protein intake
– Be patient—it does grow back once your body gets what it needs
Signs it’s time to see a professional (and not just your TikTok fyp)
At some point, scrolling through hair advice from strangers on the internet just isn’t cutting it anymore. If your scalp’s been throwing tantrums and your usual hair lineup isn’t working its magic, it might be time to bring in a professional.
You’ll want to call in a derm or trichologist if any of these sound way too familiar.
– You're losing hair fast—like, you're finding strands on your pillow, in your brush, and down the drain at record speed.
– Your ponytail feels thinner, your part looks wider, or your edges are quietly disappearing.
– You’ve spotted smooth, oddly shaped bald patches that weren’t there before.
– Your scalp feels itchy, irritated, inflamed, or just... off.
– You've tried every serum, supplement, and scalp scrub under the sun—still nada.
And if you’ve been putting off the appointment because you “don’t want to be dramatic”? Babe, prioritizing your scalp is health, not vanity. When you do see a specialist, don’t be surprised if the convo expands beyond your strands. Hair health is connected to so much more—think stress, hormones, nutrition, even how you style it on the daily.
Top tip: Start snapping progress pics every few weeks. Sometimes what feels like no change in the mirror looks completely different in a photo, and that visual timeline could be a game-changer during your appointment.
What to do when hair loss hits different
Hair stress is real, but feeling helpless about it? That’s not the vibe. If your strands are suddenly on the floor more than your head, or you’re noticing patchy spots, thinning edges, or a ponytail that just isn’t ponytailing like it used to… It’s time to pay attention.
You don’t need to have all the answers today, but it’s worth getting curious. Book that derm appointment. Ask the questions. Track what’s changing with photos. Knowledge really is power when it comes to your hair health.
And if it is alopecia? You’ve still got options. From medical treatments to lifestyle shifts to confidence-boosting hair toppers (hi, Lauren Ashtyn Collection 👋), there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—but there is support.
Just remember: hair doesn’t define you. But we know it’s deeply personal. And around here, we’re all about helping you feel like you again—stronger, softer, more secure.
Whatever your hair journey looks like, you don’t have to walk it alone.
