Hair loss is a concern shared by millions of people, but it doesn’t always start in the hair follicles. In many cases, issues with the scalp—such as inflammation, infection, or chronic skin conditions—can either contribute to or mimic hair loss. Understanding the difference between scalp conditions and true hair loss is critical for choosing the right treatment path. At Hair Restoration Seattle, we emphasize accurate diagnosis as the foundation of effective care.
Understanding the Difference
Hair loss occurs when the hair growth cycle is disrupted, follicles are damaged, or the scalp can no longer support healthy hair. In contrast, scalp conditions involve the skin covering the skull and may or may not lead to hair loss directly.
While these issues can overlap, the cause of shedding or thinning hair may differ significantly depending on whether it stems from a dermatologic scalp disorder or a more systemic hair loss condition read more Between FUT and FUE Hair Transplants in Seattle: Your Complete Decision Guide
Common Scalp Conditions That May Cause Hair Loss
1. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Characterized by red, flaky, and oily patches, this inflammatory condition can irritate the scalp and sometimes lead to shedding due to scratching or inflammation.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis creates thick, scaly plaques that can interfere with hair follicle function and may cause temporary hair loss in affected areas.
3. Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)
This fungal infection can lead to patchy hair loss, broken hairs, and scaly skin. It is contagious and most common in children, but adults can also be affected.
4. Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles due to infection or irritation. It can cause small red bumps and discomfort, sometimes leading to localized hair loss.
5. Lichen Planopilaris
This autoimmune condition causes inflammation around the hair follicle, leading to scarring and permanent hair loss if not treated early.
Hair Loss Conditions That Are Not Scalp-Driven
In other cases, the scalp may appear healthy, but hair loss still occurs. This could be due to:
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Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern hair loss)
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Telogen Effluvium (stress or illness-related shedding)
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Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)
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Nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances
In these cases, the scalp skin may look normal, but deeper factors are affecting the follicle’s ability to produce healthy hair.
When to See a Dermatologist
Early evaluation is key. You should consult a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist if you notice:
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Persistent itching, burning, or flaking of the scalp
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Sudden patches of hair loss or broken hairs
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Pain, tenderness, or swelling of the scalp
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Scarring or visible inflammation
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Hair loss that worsens over weeks or months
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Any accompanying skin changes, rashes, or lesions
A trained professional can use tools such as dermoscopy, scalp biopsy, or lab tests to determine whether the issue originates from the skin, the follicles, or both.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Treating hair loss without knowing the root cause can be ineffective or even harmful. For example, applying minoxidil to a scalp infected with ringworm won’t solve the problem—and may delay necessary treatment. That’s why a proper medical evaluation is essential.
At Hair Restoration Seattle, we combine dermatological insight with advanced hair restoration techniques to ensure you receive care tailored to the exact nature of your condition.
