f you’re struggling with hair loss, thinning edges, or excessive shedding—this is for you.
Hair loss can feel confusing and frustrating, especially when you don’t know what’s causing it. But here’s the truth:
👉 Not all hair loss is the same—and understanding the type is key to finding the right solution.
In this guide, I’m going to break down three common types of alopecia, how to recognise them, and what you can start doing today to support your hair.
🔍 1. Traction Alopecia
As the name suggests, traction alopecia is caused by pulling or tension on the hair over time.
This is often linked to:
- Tight ponytails
- Braids or extensions
- Wigs or styles that create tension on the scalp
🚩 Signs to look out for:
- Thinning edges
- Breakage around the hairline
- Sore or sensitive scalp
👉 If you’re experiencing any of these, your scalp is under stress.
🔍 2. Androgenetic Alopecia
This type of hair loss is genetic and hereditary.
Unlike traction alopecia, this isn’t caused by breakage—it’s caused by gradual thinning of the hair over time.
🚩 Signs to look out for:
- Hair becoming finer and lighter
- Gradual thinning across the scalp
- Family history of hair loss (male or female pattern baldness)
👉 If others in your family have experienced similar hair loss, this could be the cause.
🔍 3. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is often referred to as stress-related hair loss.
It can be triggered by:
- Emotional stress
- Trauma
- Illness or shock to the body
🚩 Signs to look out for:
- Sudden and excessive shedding
- Hair coming out in clumps
- Noticeable hair loss in a short space of time
👉 Unlike other types, this is not gradual—it’s sudden and often alarming.
While it can feel distressing, it’s important to understand that:
Your body is trying to protect itself—and hair is often one of the first things it lets go of.
💡 What Can You Do? Practical Solutions
Now that you understand the types, let’s talk about what can actually help.
✅ 1. Stimulate Your Scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
One of the simplest ways to support this is through regular scalp massage.
- Use a light oil like rosemary oil
- Massage 3–4 times per week
- Focus on affected areas
👉 Consistency is key—results can take up to 3 months.
⚠️ 2. Reduce Tension Immediately (Traction Alopecia)
If your hair loss is caused by tension:
👉 You must remove the cause.
That means:
- Loosening hairstyles
- Avoiding tight wigs or extensions
- Giving your scalp time to recover
No product will fix the issue if the tension continues.
💪 3. Strengthen Weak Hair
To support fragile or thinning hair, you can use castor oil as a treatment.
- Apply sparingly (it’s thick and heavy)
- Use as an overnight treatment
- Wash out with shampoo and deep conditioner in the morning
👉 This helps to strengthen and nourish weak strands.
🧬 4. Support Hair Growth Internally
Sometimes, the issue isn’t just external—it’s internal.
Focus on:
- Increasing iron intake
- Boosting protein consumption
- Considering treatments like Minoxidil (where appropriate)
👉 These support the body in creating the right environment for hair growth.
✨ Final Thoughts
Hair loss can impact you physically, emotionally, and mentally—but understanding what’s happening puts you back in control.
The key is to:
- Identify the type of hair loss
- Be consistent with your approach
- Support both your scalp and your overall health
And remember—progress takes time, but with the right steps, improvement is possible.