It depends. Certain causes of hair loss such as stress (telogen effluvium) and hormonal changes during pregnancy are reversible and easily treatable.
However, certain genetic conditions like male and female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) are not reversible without surgical intervention. However, if detected early enough, certain medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, or potent DHT-blocking shampoos like groMD, can help halt the progression of thinning hair.
Non-Reversible Types of Hair Loss: Pattern Baldness
Male and female pattern baldness is an inherited, genetic condition thought to be caused by changes in the levels of hormones, notably androgens, that affect hair growth. While men develop thinning hair around the crown and a receding hairline, women most often notice thinning around the part or near the very top of the scalp.
Though there are ways to treat its effects, hair loss from androgenic alopecia is permanent. For people who want to tackle pattern baldness with a permanent solution, hair transplant surgery is the only real option. During hair transplantation, hair follicles will be grafted or transplanted to thinning areas of the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth.
Reversible Types of Hair Loss
There are several other types of hair loss. Many types of hair loss are reversible in certain situations. In the sections below, we will explore these types of hair loss and how patients can reverse the effects.
Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Hair Loss)
This common type of hair loss occurs when the body has a shock response. For example, this condition can be the result of a crash diet, pregnancy, or another physically taxing event. It can also occur during a particularly emotional or stressful time.
Telogen effluvium causes the hair to temporarily stop growing and enter a resting state. When these hairs shed in a few months’ time, the results are typically quite noticeable. Fortunately, this condition can be reversed by eliminating its culprit.
Many women experience mild hair loss following pregnancy. Most people who suffer from this type of hair loss only experience temporary hair loss and their hair will usually resume its normal growth cycle once they alleviate the cause of their stress. Once you have gotten rid of your stress, you should notice significant improvements in your overall health, in addition to your hair growth.
Traction Alopecia (Styling and Tension-Related Hair Loss)
Traction alopecia is a loss of hair caused by repeated tension or stress on the hair and its follicles. This type of hair loss is most often the result of styling one’s hair using tight weaves, cornrows, ponytails and braids.
It’s estimated that that traction alopecia affects roughly one-third of women of African descent.
It is, however, important to note that traction alopecia can happen to anyone regardless of their ethnicity or age. For example, it’s quite common among Caucasian gymnasts and ballet dancers as well as other sports professionals who have to wear tight ponytails or buns for lengthy durations.
Giving your hair a break from any style that might cause tension is the primary treatment for traction alopecia. Individuals should also avoid exposing the affected parts of your scalp and hair to excessive heat and chemicals.
Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)
Individuals with alopecia areata develop hair loss as a symptom of autoimmune disease. In fact, this condition occurs because the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Though treatment can be dependent on the overall health of the individual, many patients see considerable regrowth after PRP therapy or strategic medical management.
Contact Modena Hair Institute Today
No matter what type of hair loss you have, our clinic can help address the problem. We offer a wide range of hair restoration treatments, from medications to surgery. During a consultation at our practice, we can help determine a personalized treatment plan that is right for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment contact us online or give us a call at (949) 374-2563.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, accredited member of the IAHRS and a visceral advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.