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Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a type of scarring (cicatricial) alopecia, considered a variant of lichen planopilaris. It primarily affects postmenopausal women and is characterized by a distinctive pattern of progressive hair loss along the frontal hairline and eyebrows. The hairline recedes in a band-like fashion, often accompanied by redness, itching, or small bumps around the hair follicles. As the hair follicles are permanently damaged, they are replaced by scar tissue, resulting in irreversible hair loss. Early intervention is crucial to slow progression.

A scalp biopsy is a minor surgical procedure where a small sample of skin and hair follicles is removed from the scalp for microscopic examination. This diagnostic test is crucial for definitively diagnosing various inflammatory, scarring, and non-scarring alopecias, as well as other scalp dermatoses when non-invasive methods are inconclusive.

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory condition that affects hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss (scarring alopecia). It is considered a variant of lichen planus. LPP typically causes patchy hair loss, often on the top or sides of the scalp, with inflammation, redness, scaling, and sometimes severe itching or burning around the affected follicles. As the follicles are destroyed, they are replaced by scar tissue, resulting in smooth, shiny patches of permanent baldness. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further hair loss.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp or other body parts. It can manifest as small, round patches of hair loss, but in some cases, it can progress to complete loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or even the entire body (alopecia universalis). The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by prolonged or repetitive pulling on the hair follicles. This often results from tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, dreadlocks, or extensions. It typically affects the hairline, temples, and areas where hair is under constant tension. Early stages are reversible by changing hairstyles, but chronic traction can lead to permanent scarring and irreversible hair loss.

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is a common form of hair loss characterized by a predictable pattern of thinning hair. In men, it often begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, it typically involves a widening part and diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp, usually preserving the frontal hairline. This condition is primarily genetic and influenced by hormones, leading to miniaturization of hair follicles over time.