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Hair & scalp guide
Understanding Alopecia
Types, Causes & Support Options
Alopecia is an umbrella term for hair loss conditions that affect millions of people in the UK. It can appear suddenly or gradually, and depending on the type, may affect specific areas of the scalp, the entire head, or even the whole body. Understanding the science behind alopecia helps people feel informed, supported, and empowered to seek the right help.
What Causes Alopecia?
Alopecia can be triggered by several factors, including:
Autoimmune activity
Genetics
Hormonal changes
Stress and inflammation
Nutrient deficiencies
Medical conditions
Medications
Different types of alopecia behave differently: some cause patchy hair loss, some cause diffuse thinning, and others affect the entire scalp.
The Main Types of Alopecia
Below is a clear breakdown of the most common forms of alopecia, who they affect, why they happen, and whether regrowth is possible.
1. Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune)
What it is: Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, round patches of hair loss.
Why it happens: The immune system becomes overactive and targets follicles. This can be triggered by:
- Stress
- Viral infections
- Genetics
- Other autoimmune conditions (thyroid disease, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis)
Who it affects: Men, women, and children, often appearing before age 30, but it can occur at any age.
Where it appears: Round or oval patches anywhere on the scalp. In some cases:
- Alopecia Totalis: entire scalp
- Alopecia Universalis: entire body
Can it grow back? Yes, many people experience regrowth, but it can be unpredictable. Hair may fall out again during flare-ups.
Medical tests recommended:
Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4); ANA (autoimmune screening); Vitamin D; Iron studies (Ferritin); B12. These help identify underlying autoimmune or inflammatory triggers.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss)
What it is: A genetic condition influenced by hormones, causing gradual thinning over time.
Why it happens: Hair follicles become sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a form of testosterone. This causes follicles to shrink (miniaturisation), producing finer and shorter hairs.
Who it affects:
- Men: very common (up to 50% by age 50)
- Women: especially during perimenopause and menopause
Where it appears:
- Men: crown, temples, receding hairline
- Women: widening parting, diffuse thinning on the top of the head
Can it grow back? It can be slowed, stabilised, and improved, but full reversal is not always possible.
Medical tests recommended:
Hormone panel (Testosterone, DHEA-S); Thyroid panel; Ferritin; Vitamin D. These help identify hormonal or nutritional contributors.
3. Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Shedding)
What it is: A temporary condition where a large number of hairs shift into the shedding phase.
Why it happens: Triggered by:
- Stress
- Illness
- Surgery
- Childbirth
- Crash dieting
- Medication changes
- Iron deficiency
Who it affects: Anyone, especially women during hormonal changes.
Where it appears: Diffuse shedding across the entire scalp.
Can it grow back? Yes, once the trigger is addressed, regrowth usually occurs within 3–6 months.
Medical tests recommended:
Ferritin; Thyroid panel; Vitamin D; B12; Full blood count. These help identify deficiencies or underlying conditions.
4. Traction Alopecia (Tension-Related)
What it is: Hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair.
Why it happens: Tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, extensions, or chemical treatments.
Who it affects: Most common in women who regularly wear tight styles.
Where it appears: Hairline, temples, and areas under tension.
Can it grow back? Yes, if caught early and tension is removed. Long-term traction can cause permanent follicle damage.
Medical tests recommended: Diagnosis is usually visual.
5. Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)
What it is: A group of rare conditions where inflammation destroys hair follicles permanently.
Why it happens: Autoimmune or inflammatory activity that damages follicles.
Who it affects: More common in women aged 30–60.
Where it appears: Patches that may look smooth, shiny, or scarred.
Can it grow back? No, once follicles are destroyed, regrowth is not possible.
Medical tests recommended:
Scalp biopsy; Autoimmune blood tests. These help confirm diagnosis and guide treatment.
Can Alopecia Be Treated?
Treatment depends entirely on the type:
- Alopecia Areata: steroid injections, immunotherapy, JAK inhibitors
- Androgenetic Alopecia: minoxidil, finasteride (men), hormone support
- Telogen Effluvium: correcting deficiencies, reducing stress
- Traction Alopecia: removing tension, scalp support
- Scarring Alopecia: anti-inflammatory medication
Natural products can support scalp health, but medical guidance is essential for autoimmune or scarring types.
What Tests Should You Request and Why?
Idyllic always advises seeking medical support and requesting a full blood panel. This helps identify underlying causes that may be contributing to hair loss.
Recommended tests include:
- Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4) — thyroid issues cause shedding
- Ferritin (iron stores) — low ferritin is strongly linked to hair loss
- Vitamin D — deficiency affects immune function and follicle health
- B12 & Folate — essential for cell growth
- Hormone panel (Testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH) — identifies androgen-related thinning
- Full blood count — checks for anaemia or infection
- Autoimmune markers (ANA) — screens for autoimmune alopecia
These tests help pinpoint the root cause so treatment can be targeted.
How Idyllic Can Help and Where It Cannot
Idyllic’s natural, science-led formulations can support:
Androgenetic Alopecia (Female & Male Pattern Hair Loss)
By nourishing follicles, improving scalp circulation, and supporting density.
Telogen Effluvium
By strengthening regrowth and supporting scalp health during recovery.
Traction Alopecia (Early Stages)
By soothing inflammation and supporting new growth once tension is removed.
General thinning from menopause, stress, medication, or hormonal imbalance
Conditions Idyllic Cannot Treat
Some forms of alopecia require medical intervention:
- Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)
- Scarring Alopecia
- Alopecia Totalis / Universalis
Idyllic can support scalp comfort and confidence but cannot reverse autoimmune or scarring follicle damage.
Why Idyllic Was Created
Our founder, Estel, experienced her own hair loss journey during perimenopause, including thinning, shedding, and changes in texture. With her forensic science background, she began researching the biology of hair loss and created natural formulations that support scalp health, follicle strength, and regrowth.
Idyllic exists to help people feel seen, supported, and confident no matter what stage of their hair journey they’re in.
Idyllic Hair & Skin products are cosmetic hair and scalp care and are not medicines. This page is general information, not medical advice. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy or accompanied by other symptoms, please speak to your GP, pharmacist or a registered trichologist.