The main sign is a loss of hair. It may manifest as:

• Gradual thinning of hair on the head
• Circular/patchy hairless regions
• Sudden loss of hair
• Loosening of hair
• Full body hair loss
• Patches of scaling that spread over the scalp

There are various reasons for hair loss. Some of the factors include:

• Hereditary-family history of alopecia increases the risk
• Hormonal changes-imbalances caused by pregnancy or menopause could lead to hair loss
• Medical conditions such as scalp infections, lichen planus, lupus, sarcoidosis, hair-pulling disorder, an autoimmune disorder
• Medications such as cancer drugs, intake of Vitamin A
• Radiation therapy to the head
• Stressful experiences such as sudden weight loss, surgery, high fever, loss of loved one-trigger hair loss
• Certain hairstyles that pull hair tightly
• Beauty treatments that could cause inflammation of the hair follicle

Risk factors which triggers hair loss include:

• Family history
• Age - more common among older people
• Poor nutrition
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus
• Stress