Male-pattern hair loss typically begins with hair loss at the front of the hairline and/or on the crown of the head, with hair loss progression over time.[1] Female-pattern hair loss tends to feature diffuse hair thinning and hair loss across the top of the head, especially near the center of the scalp.[1] Alopecia areata involves hair loss in patches, which can regrow or precede complete loss of hair. Telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium both involve hair thinning and hair loss across the scalp.
What are the main signs and symptoms of hair loss?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Male-pattern hair loss usually starts at the front hairline or crown, whereas female-pattern hair loss occurs as diffuse thinning on the top of the head. Other types include alopecia areata (patchy loss) and telogen or anagen effluvium (overall thinning).