What type of alopecia do I have? Learn to identify it and know your best option

Finding more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or when brushing can be worrying. The first thing many people do is search online, "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 thinking about any treatment or hair care routine.

The most common types of alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia

It 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 thinner and thinner until density decreases.

It generally presents like this:

• Men: pronounced receding hairlines and loss of density at the crown.
• Women: widening of the part and a 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 the shedding started suddenly after a period of stress, surgery, an illness, a strict diet, or even after pregnancy, it could be telogen effluvium.

In this case, many follicles enter the resting phase at the same time, causing more shedding than normal. 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 does not usually follow a progressive pattern and requires a dermatological assessment to define 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 in time, it is usually reversible, but if the 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.

A dermatologist usually evaluates aspects such as:

• Shedding pattern.
• Duration of progression.
• Family history.
• Scalp condition.
• Dermatoscopy and, in some cases, complementary tests.

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

What is the role of Oral Minoxidil?

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

The available scientific evidence on low-dose Oral Minoxidil is mainly concentrated 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 as part of 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 looking 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 routine goes beyond a single product

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

Within the Pharma Grow ecosystem, the following stand out:

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.

What is important 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 shedding?

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

Is all alopecia treated the same?

No. Each type of alopecia has different causes. That is why treatment depends on the diagnosis and not just on the symptoms.

Does Oral Minoxidil work for any type of alopecia?

Most of the scientific evidence on Oral Minoxidil focuses on androgenetic alopecia. For other types of alopecia, the treatment may be different and depend on the cause that triggered the shedding.

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 judgment of the healthcare professional, as well as individual factors such as sex, history, and the goals of the routine.

Understanding your hair is the first step

When hair begins to change, it is easy to get carried away by recommendations on social media or try different products without really knowing what is happening.

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

At Pharma Grow, we believe that a good hair care routine starts with reliable information, realistic expectations, and habits that you can maintain in the long term. Because when you know your hair better, you can also take better care of it.