What type of alopecia do I have? Learn to identify it and discover Minoxidil options

Finding more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or when brushing your hair can be worrying. The first thing many people do is search online for "why is my hair falling out?", but few know that not all hair loss means the same thing.

Alopecia is not a single disease. There are different types, and each has distinct causes, so identifying what is happening is the first step before considering any treatment or hair care routine.

The most common types of alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia

This is the most frequent cause of hair loss and has a strong hereditary component. It occurs because some follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair to grow progressively thinner until density decreases.

It generally presents as follows:

• Men:  pronounced receding hairline and loss of density at the crown.
• Women:  widening of the part and progressive decrease in volume.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is the most common type of alopecia in both men and women.

Telogen effluvium

If hair loss began suddenly after a period of stress, surgery, illness, a strict diet, or even after pregnancy, it could be telogen effluvium.

In this case, many follicles simultaneously enter the resting phase, causing more abundant hair loss than usual. The good news is that once the trigger is identified, it usually improves over time.

Alopecia areata

It is characterized by the appearance of round, hairless patches and is related to an autoimmune process. It can affect the scalp, beard, eyebrows, or even eyelashes.

Unlike androgenetic alopecia, it usually does not follow a progressive pattern and requires dermatological evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Traction alopecia

This type of alopecia is related to hairstyles that exert constant tension on the hair, such as very tight ponytails, braids, or extensions.

When detected early, it is usually reversible, but if tension continues for years, it can cause permanent damage to some follicles.

So... how do I know which one I have?

Although the internet can guide you, it is not possible to confirm a type of alopecia solely by looking at photographs.

The dermatologist usually evaluates aspects such as:

• Hair loss pattern.
• Duration of evolution.
• Family history.
• Scalp condition.
• Dermoscopy and, in some cases, complementary studies.

A good diagnosis allows for building a much more appropriate strategy than simply trying random products.

What role does Oral Minoxidil play?

Once the type of alopecia is identified, many people begin to research Oral Minoxidil.

The available scientific evidence on low-dose Oral Minoxidil focuses primarily on male and female androgenetic alopecia, although it should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

At Pharma Grow, there are different options to be part of a hair care routine:

Oral Minoxidil 1 mg

A low-concentration presentation, widely used by women within hair care routines.

Oral Minoxidil 2.5 mg For All

A unisex option that can be adapted to different hair care strategies.

Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Men

Developed for men seeking to integrate Oral Minoxidil into a complete routine.

More important than choosing a dose is understanding which one makes sense for your case and maintaining consistency.

A hair care routine goes beyond a single product

Hair also depends on factors such as nutrition, rest, stress, and daily habits. That's why many people complement their routine with other products that support hair well-being.

Within the Pharma Grow ecosystem, highlights include:

Grow 360 Hair Vitamins

A nutritional supplement with vitamins and minerals related to hair maintenance.

DHT Blocker

Designed to complement a comprehensive hair care strategy.

The important thing is to understand that no product replaces consistency. A simple and easy-to-follow routine usually has a better chance of being maintained in the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have alopecia or normal hair loss?

It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. If hair loss increases for several weeks, areas with less density appear, or you notice significant changes in hair volume, it is advisable to see a dermatologist.

Are all types of alopecia treated the same way?

No. Each type of alopecia has different causes. Therefore, the treatment depends on the diagnosis and not solely on the symptoms.

Does Oral Minoxidil work for all types of alopecia?

Most scientific evidence on Oral Minoxidil focuses on androgenetic alopecia. In other types of alopecia, treatment may differ and depend on the underlying cause of hair loss.

What is the difference between Oral Minoxidil 1 mg, 2.5 mg, and 5 mg?

The main difference is the concentration. The appropriate dose depends on the healthcare professional's judgment, as well as individual factors such as sex, medical history, and routine goals.

Understanding your hair is the first step

When hair starts to change, it's easy to get carried away by recommendations on social media or try different products without truly knowing what's happening.

However, the best decision usually starts with something much simpler: understanding the origin of the hair loss.

At Pharma Grow, we believe that a good hair care routine begins with reliable information, realistic expectations, and habits you can maintain long-term. Because when you understand your hair better, you can also care for it better.