General thinning, often referred to as diffuse thinning, involves a reduction in hair density across the scalp. Unlike specific patterns seen in male or female pattern baldness, general thinning does not necessarily concentrate in specific areas but reduces hair volume overall. It can affect both men and women and may be caused by a variety of factors including aging, hormonal changes, or underlying health conditions.

A receding hairline refers to the gradual loss of hair at the temples and the forehead. It is one of the most common signs of hair loss in men, often associated with male pattern baldness, but can also affect women. The hairline typically moves backwards over time, forming an “M” shape.

Thinning at the crown refers to hair loss occurring at the top of the head. It’s a common feature of male pattern baldness, where the thinning can eventually lead to a bald spot if untreated. Women can also experience thinning at the crown, though it generally appears more as a widening of the part rather than a bald spot.

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss, which can occur in various forms and due to many different causes. The term encompasses conditions such as alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss), androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), alopecia totalis (total loss of hair on the scalp), and alopecia universalis (complete loss of hair on the entire body).

Severe stress can lead to a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when stress causes hair follicles to prematurely enter the telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair cycle, leading to increased shedding and thinning of the hair. The hair loss is typically temporary and reversible once the stress is managed or resolved.