Alopecia and Hair Loss: Causes and Treatment

February 11, 2026

Verified by :
Dr. Naren Prakash
MBBS, MD - Dermatology - 13+ Years Exp
Updated on :
February 11, 2026

In this blog, we’ll understand the causes of alopecia and hair loss treatment. Also, going to know about the multiple effective and affordable procedures to treat hair loss.

Who gets alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder that can affect individuals of any background, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. It can develop in early childhood, though it tends to ignite in early adolescence to late twenties, especially if it is a severe case. Alopecia areata can be prompted by genetic factors, malfunctioning immunity, and sometimes external triggers, such as stress or an illness. People with autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disease, vitiligo, and eczema, are at higher risk than those without. Although androgenic alopecia (also known as pattern baldness) is hereditary, and alopecia areata leads to more patchy hair thinning and loss, it can also occur with facial hair or beard. If you are looking for alopecia areata treatment, creams like minoxidil, topical corticosteroids, anthralin, and immunotherapy agents are often used to reduce hair loss. While there is no cure for the disorder itself, early diagnosis and treatment of alopecia can help manage the symptoms and promote hair regrowth.

Types of alopecia areata:
There are three main alopecia types under alopecia areata, which are as follows:

Patchy Alopecia Areata: The most frequently seen category of alopecia, it affects how people present themselves because it causes bald patches to appear in circular patches that are the size of a coin on the scalp or body.
Alopecia Totalis: A more extreme form where all the hair is lost from the scalp; it usually requires more intensive treatment than alopecia areata.
Alopecia Universalis: The most uncommon type of alopecia, it causes complete hair loss on the scalp, face (leaving you with an alopecia beard ), and all over your body.

What are the symptoms of alopecia areata?
Alopecia areata, or alopecia disease, mainly affects hair, though in some cases, nails may also show signs like pitting. Most people remain otherwise healthy and have no other symptoms.

Hair Changes
The condition usually commences with an abrupt instance of round patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard (alopecia barbae), or eyelashes or eyebrows. The patches may have what are called exclamation-point hairs, which are short, broken hairs, and thin at the base. There is no rash or scarring, unlike in scarring alopecia. Some individuals will experience an itching or tingling sensation a few days prior to the hair falling out.

Hair may:

Regrow in a few months, often starting white or gray
Spread to other areas, forming larger patches
Progress to alopecia totalis (entire scalp) or rarely, alopecia universalis (entire body)

Hair regrowth is more likely in cases with:

Mild or less extensive hair loss
No nail involvement
No family history
Later age of onset

Nail Changes

About 10–20% of people show nail symptoms like tiny pits, which are more common in severe alopecia types.

Causes of alopecia areata
Hair loss or alopecia can result from various health and lifestyle factors. Understanding the alopecia causes is essential for choosing the right alopecia treatment.

Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), menopause, pregnancy, and thyroid disorders may lead to alopecia hair loss in women.
Medical Conditions: Autoimmune illnesses, including alopecia areata, produce patchy hair loss in the scalp, the beard (alopecia barbae), and the body. The hair loss is associated with a natural attack by the immune system on the hair follicles; early intervention to stop alopecia areata is key.
Genetics: Androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) is the most common inherited form of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia requires lifestyle changes or treatment in most cases and tends to be gradual.
Stress: Physical or emotional stressors can cause temporary alopecia symptoms and hair falling months after the stressor occurs.
Infections & STIs: Untreated infections like syphilis can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, or beard (alopecia barbae).
Radiation Therapy: Scarring alopecia or cicatricial alopecia can result from radiation therapy and can lead to permanent hair loss.
Thyroid Disorders: Low thyroid levels can also cause alopecia, hair falling out, especially in women.

If you're wondering what alopecia is, or looking for solutions like alopecia areata treatment, alopecia medication, consult a dermatologist early.

Treatment for alopecia areata

Alopecia, including alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia, can often be treated with medications or may resolve on its own.

Minoxidil: Over-the-counter alopecia-reduction product for daily, topical application to the scalp.
Finasteride: A prescription medication for alopecia in men with androgenic alopecia.
Alopecia areata: Treatment options include topical and intralesional corticosteroids, topical minoxidil, and topical immunotherapies.
In cases that result from other medications, switching medications can help hair regrow.

For mild cases of alopecia areata, such as unpredictable patchy areas, hairs may regrow without treatment. Regardless, the sooner you treat, the better the outcome for whichever type of alopecia. Moving to a hair transplant can be a permanent solution to your problem, whereas different types of treatments are available, such as PRP and laser therapy. Let’s understand some of those:

Hair transplant surgery
In the most prevalent category of permanent hair loss, hair thins out at the top of the head. Hair restoration or transplant may offer a procedural approach to treatment for hair loss, displacing or removing hair from fuller areas to bald spots. The surgical transplant procedure is performed by dermatologists or surgeons and can use either small grafts or large sections of skin.

‍

PRP Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly popular in alopecia treatment. The procedure involves injecting the patient's plasma rich in growth factors into the scalp in order to springboard inactive or recently transplanted hair follicles into a functional state. In essence, PRP lengthens the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, making it one of the most frequently endorsed treatments for alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, and generalized hair thinning.

PRP may also be thought of as one of the best treatments for alopecia areata and other types of alopecia, especially when considering or comparing it with other treatments like alopecia medication or alopecia areata treatment cream.

What is the Procedure for PRP Treatment?

Three steps are involved in PRP injections:

For the treatment, physicians will likely first draw blood from an individual's arm.
The blood will then be placed in a centrifuge, which separates the blood into 3 layers: red blood cells, plasma with low platelets, and plasma with plentiful platelets.
The PRP is used, with the other layers being discarded.
Finally, after applying local anaesthetic, a syringe will be used to inject the PRP or "blood injection" into the scalp.

Why is PRP Better Than Other Hair Loss Treatments For Alopecia?

PRP treatment can be helpful for alopecia and hair loss because -
PRP widens hair diameter and stops hair thinning.
PRP can be successful in boosting hair density.
The blood flow to the hair follicles can be increased by injecting platelets and stimulating growth, which can also strengthen the hair shafts.
Both alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia can be effectively treated with PRP therapy.
PRP therapy doesn't involve any cuts or incisions.
There is zero risk of allergies because PRP therapy uses the patient's own blood.
PRP is a potential hair loss treatment; however, results may vary from clinic to clinic due to variations in injection procedures and session lengths.
Hair transplant growth is accelerated by PRP therapy.

UNCOVER Clinics provide a safe, professional, and comprehensive guide to undertaking a PRP hair loss treatment. One can regrow their hair naturally with the help of experts. Also, at UnCover, the procedure is affordable and starts at Rs. 5,000 for a 1-hour session.
Alopecia or hair loss can certainly be managed. There are multiple treatments available, and finding the best hair loss treatment depends on the individual. PRP treatments provide a host of benefits with a negligible risk of side effects. One can visit UnCover clinics for proper guidance concerning treatments that are safe and conducted professionally. Our PRP treatments are effective and long-lasting, and will leave one feeling absolutely confident!

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a dermatologist for hair loss?

See a dermatologist if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, significant thinning visible through the scalp, bald patches appearing, excessive hair on the pillow or in the drain, hair loss after illness or medication, or if over-the-counter treatments haven't worked after 3 months. Early diagnosis and treatment at Uncover Clinics prevents further hair loss and improves regrowth outcomes significantly.

Can stress cause alopecia?

Yes, severe physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium (diffuse hair shedding 2–3 months after the stressful event) and may also trigger or worsen alopecia areata. Stress causes hormonal changes and inflammation that disrupt the hair growth cycle. Managing stress through therapy, exercise, sleep, and meditation helps, alongside hair loss treatments at Uncover Clinics for faster recovery.

Is hair loss from alopecia areata reversible?

Yes, hair loss from alopecia areata is often reversible. About 50% of patients regrow hair within one year even without treatment. Treatment with corticosteroid injections, PRP therapy, and topical immunotherapy can speed up regrowth. However, alopecia areata can recur unpredictably. Early treatment at Uncover Clinics increases the chances of faster, fuller regrowth.

What is the best treatment for alopecia in India?

Treatment for alopecia in India depends on the type. For androgenetic alopecia: minoxidil, finasteride, PRP/GFC, and hair transplant. For alopecia areata: corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, JAK inhibitors, and PRP. For telogen effluvium: addressing the underlying cause and nutritional support. Dermatologists at Uncover Clinics offer all these treatments with personalised protocols.

Can alopecia be cured permanently?

Alopecia areata often resolves on its own within 6–12 months, but can recur. There is no permanent cure, though treatments can manage symptoms effectively. Androgenetic alopecia can be managed long-term with medications and procedures but requires ongoing treatment. Hair transplant offers a permanent solution for stable pattern baldness. Uncover Clinics creates long-term management plans for all alopecia types.

What causes alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden round bald patches. Triggers include severe stress, viral infections, genetic predisposition, and other autoimmune conditions (thyroid disorders, vitiligo). It can affect anyone at any age. Dermatologists at Uncover Clinics offer treatments including corticosteroid injections, PRP, and immunotherapy.

What is alopecia and what are its types?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Main types include androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness — most common), alopecia areata (autoimmune, causes round bald patches), telogen effluvium (temporary shedding after stress/illness), traction alopecia (from tight hairstyles), and alopecia totalis/universalis (complete scalp/body hair loss). Each type has different causes and treatments. Uncover Clinics diagnoses and treats all types.

When should I see a doctor for hair loss?

See a doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, progressive thinning at the crown or hairline, bald spots appearing overnight, excessive hair on the pillow or shower drain, hair loss after illness, surgery, or medication changes, or if hair loss is accompanied by scalp itching, pain, or scaling. Early diagnosis at Uncover Clinics ensures timely treatment before permanent follicle damage occurs.

Is alopecia hereditary?

Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) is strongly hereditary, inherited from either parent's side. If your parents or grandparents experienced hair loss, you have a higher risk. Alopecia areata also has a genetic component — about 10–20% of patients have a family member with the condition. Early preventive treatment at Uncover Clinics can slow genetically programmed hair loss if started before significant thinning occurs.

Can stress cause hair loss and is it reversible?

Yes, severe physical or emotional stress can cause telogen effluvium, a condition where large numbers of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, leading to noticeable hair shedding 2–3 months after the stressful event. The good news is that stress-related hair loss is usually fully reversible once the underlying stress is managed. Hair typically regrows within 6–9 months of the triggering event resolving.

What is the best treatment for alopecia in India?

Treatment depends on the type: androgenetic alopecia responds to minoxidil, finasteride, PRP/GFC therapy, and hair transplant. Alopecia areata is treated with corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, JAK inhibitors, and PRP. Telogen effluvium often resolves by addressing the underlying trigger. Traction alopecia requires changing hairstyling habits. Uncover Clinics offers all these treatments with experienced dermatologists.

Can alopecia be cured permanently?

Some types of alopecia can be effectively treated and managed long-term, but a permanent cure depends on the type. Androgenetic alopecia can be managed with ongoing treatment (minoxidil, finasteride, PRP) or permanently addressed with hair transplant. Alopecia areata may resolve spontaneously or with treatment but can recur. Early, consistent treatment at Uncover Clinics maximises the chances of full hair restoration.

What causes alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, causing sudden, circular bald patches. Triggers include severe stress, illness, genetic predisposition, family history of autoimmune disorders, and environmental factors. It can occur at any age but commonly affects people under 30. Dermatologists at Uncover Clinics diagnose alopecia areata through clinical examination and trichoscopy.

What is alopecia and what are its types?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Main types include: androgenetic alopecia (genetic pattern baldness in men and women), alopecia areata (autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss), telogen effluvium (stress-induced temporary shedding), traction alopecia (from tight hairstyles), alopecia totalis (total scalp hair loss), and alopecia universalis (total body hair loss). Each type requires different treatment approaches.