The bodybuilding aesthetician

Hair loss is something we have been covering quite a bit lately in UCD, and it made me realise how often it comes up not just academically but in real life too. It is something I see a lot, and something I have personally experienced as well.

Dealing with hair loss myself has given me a completely different perspective on it. It is not just a physical change. It can affect confidence, how you feel day to day, and even how you see yourself. Because of that, I wanted to put together a clear, evidence-based overview of alopecia that actually makes sense without overcomplicating it.

At its simplest, alopecia just means hair loss. In reality, it covers a wide range of conditions, all with different causes, patterns, and outcomes. Understanding those differences is what allows us to make sense of what is actually going on.

One of the most important distinctions is whether the hair follicle is still intact. This determines whether the hair loss is potentially reversible or permanent.

Non-scarring alopecia refers to hair loss where the follicle is still preserved. In these cases, regrowth is often possible once the underlying issue is addressed. This is where the majority of people fall.

The most common type is androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as pattern hair loss. This develops gradually over time and is driven by a combination of genetics and hormonal sensitivity. In men, it tends to present as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women it usually shows up as more diffuse thinning through the centre of the scalp, often noticed as a widening part.

Another type that people are often familiar with is alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly targets the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. It can remain as small, localised patches, or in more severe cases progress to complete scalp or body hair loss. What makes it particularly challenging is how unpredictable it can be.

Telogen effluvium is different again. This tends to present as sudden, widespread shedding rather than defined patches or patterns. It is usually triggered by some form of stress on the body. This could be illness, surgery, significant weight loss, hormonal changes, or even prolonged psychological stress. Although it can feel quite alarming, it is often temporary once the underlying trigger is resolved.

There are also other causes of non-scarring hair loss, including traction alopecia from prolonged tension on the hair, trichotillomania, fungal infections of the scalp, and hair loss associated with treatments like chemotherapy.

In contrast, scarring alopecia involves permanent damage to the hair follicle. In these cases, the follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue, meaning regrowth is no longer possible. Although less common, these types are important to recognise early.

Conditions such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia fall into this category, along with central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and certain inflammatory or autoimmune scalp disorders. These often involve underlying inflammation, and without early intervention, the hair loss can become permanent.

Something that is often overlooked is that hair loss is not always just one condition. It is entirely possible to have overlapping types at the same time. For example, pattern hair loss combined with telogen effluvium. This can make things feel more confusing and is one of the reasons why a clear understanding of the different patterns is so important.

Hair loss also does not affect everyone in the same way. Pattern hair loss becomes more common with age, while alopecia areata often appears earlier in adulthood, a significant amount of cases are diagnosed before the age of forty. Diffuse shedding conditions like telogen effluvium are particularly common in women, often linked to hormonal changes, nutritional factors, or stress.

What is important to understand is that hair loss is rarely just cosmetic. It can be linked to hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, or lifestyle factors that are often overlooked.

From both a personal and professional point of view, I think it is something that deserves more attention. It is easy to dismiss it or assume it is just part of getting older or something you have to live with, but that is not always the case.

In many situations, once you understand the underlying cause, there are ways to improve it or at least manage it more effectively. Even when it is not fully reversible, having clarity around what is happening can make a huge difference in how you approach it.

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing hair loss or any related symptoms, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for an individual assessment.

For more evidence-based content on hair loss, health, and performance, follow @sarahcurranfitpro