Hair loss can feel confusing, frustrating, and honestly — kind of unfair.
But the truth is, it’s also common. And once you understand the type of hair loss you’re dealing with, there’s a lot you can do to turn things around.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of hair loss (with zero scary jargon), what might be causing it, and how to support your scalp naturally — starting with a deeper understanding of what’s actually happening beneath the surface.
So, What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is when hair starts falling out more than usual — or when it stops growing back as it used to. You might notice extra shedding in the shower, thinning around the temples or crown, or patches that seem less dense than before.
It affects people of all ages and genders, and it can happen for a lot of reasons — from stress to hormones to inflammation in the scalp.
And while it can feel overwhelming, understanding what’s behind it is your first step to taking back control.
The Most Common Types of Hair Loss
1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
This is the most common form of hair loss, often called “male” or “female pattern baldness.” But spoiler: it’s not just about genetics. Hormones (especially DHT, a form of testosterone) shrink hair follicles over time, making strands thinner, shorter, and eventually… gone.
Who it affects:
Men and women, usually starting in their 20s–40s.
Men typically notice a receding hairline or crown thinning.
Women often see general thinning across the top of the scalp.
What helps:
Stimulating the follicles and improving scalp health can make a big difference — especially in early stages. Red light therapy and scalp massage are two non-invasive options gaining serious traction.
2. Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Shedding)
Ever gone through a high-stress period or major life change — and noticed hair shedding a month or two later? That’s telogen effluvium. It happens when hair follicles are pushed prematurely into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to noticeable shedding all over.
Common triggers include:
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Illness
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Surgery
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Childbirth (hello postpartum shedding)
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Crash dieting
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Emotional stress
Who it affects:
Anyone — it’s especially common after pregnancy, illness, or sudden weight loss.
What helps:
Consistency is key. Gentle scalp care, regular massage, and patience (it usually resolves in 3–6 months) can help support regrowth.
3. Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)
This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to small, round patches of hair loss — often on the scalp, but it can also affect brows and lashes.
Who it affects:
Both men and women, often starting in childhood or early adulthood.
What helps:
Alopecia areata usually needs medical care. But a healthy scalp environment (think: no buildup, less inflammation) can still support overall hair wellness alongside other treatments.
4. Traction Alopecia (Too Much Tension)
Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or extensions can pull on hair over time, causing breakage or even permanent follicle damage. This is called traction alopecia — and it’s 100% preventable.
Who it affects:
Anyone who wears their hair tightly or styles it with tension regularly.
What helps:
Loosening your style, giving your scalp time to breathe, and using scalp-friendly tools can help prevent further damage and allow healing.
5. Scalp Conditions That Lead to Hair Loss
Dandruff, psoriasis, product buildup, or even fungal infections can clog follicles and disrupt the hair growth cycle. If your scalp feels itchy, flaky, or inflamed, that could be the root cause.
So what helps?
Regular exfoliation, detoxifying treatments, and keeping the scalp balanced with the right oils and tools.
How to Tell Which Type You Have
Here are a few questions to guide you:
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Is your hair thinning all over or just in certain spots?
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Have you had a major stressor or hormonal change recently?
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Is your scalp itchy, irritated, or flaky?
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Have you been wearing tight hairstyles frequently?
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Is there a family history of hair loss?
When in doubt, chat with your GP or dermatologist. A proper diagnosis can help you make the most effective choices — and rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What You Can Actually Do About It
No matter the type, all hair loss benefits from a healthier scalp. That means supporting the follicles where growth starts — not just masking symptoms with surface-level treatments.
At Curerest, we believe in taking a scalp-first, hair-second approach. Here's what that looks like:
✅ Cleanse + Exfoliate the Scalp
Product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin can suffocate follicles. Tools like the Curerest Curescrub help lift it all away gently, prepping your scalp for better absorption of treatments and oils.
✅ Use Nourishing Oils
Oiling is an underrated secret. Our Curerest Signature Hair Oil features rosemary, amla, and bhringraj — known to help soothe the scalp, balance sebum, and strengthen hair at the root.
✅ Incorporate Red Light Therapy
The Curerest Curescalp delivers 850nm clinical-grade red light to energise hair follicles, boost circulation, and support healthier growth at a deeper level — from the comfort of home.
✅ Massage Regularly
Scalp massage increases blood flow and stimulates the follicles. Whether it’s with your fingers, the Curescrub, or the Curescalp device, consistency matters.
✅ Stay Consistent + Gentle
Hair regrowth takes time. Be kind to your scalp, stick to a simple routine, and track progress over a few months (not days).
The Bottom Line
Hair loss doesn’t have to feel like a mystery — or something you just put up with.
By learning what kind of hair loss you’re dealing with and taking small, consistent steps to support your scalp, you can change your hair’s future.
You don’t need 10-step routines or miracle shampoos.
You just need to start at the root.
