Alopecia (Salon Talk): Scarring vs. Non‑Scarring
By Beyond Botanix · October 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~6 min
Alopecia is the most common form of hair loss seen in salon settings, and it appears in two main categories: scarring and non-scarring. Many clients experience thinning, shedding, or breakage without realizing it can fall under the alopecia umbrella. While both types matter, scarring alopecia is typically more severe because inflammation can permanently damage follicles. Triggers for alopecia include stress, hormone shifts, certain medications, tight hairstyles, chemical services, and poor scalp upkeep—often a combination that disrupts the growth cycle or inflames the follicle.
Non-scarring alopecia shows up most often. This group includes Alopecia Areata (and its forms such as Totalis, Universalis, and Ophiasis), Postpartum Alopecia (Telogen Effluvium), and Androgenic Alopecia. In these cases, hair sheds or breaks but the follicle itself isn’t permanently damaged, so regrowth is possible once the underlying cause is addressed. Common contributors include stress, nutritional gaps, heat or chemical exposure, and product overuse. When the scalp barrier is calm and clean and the root triggers are reduced, the environment for healthy growth usually improves.
Scarring alopecia is more serious because it involves inflammation that injures follicles and leaves behind scar tissue. Examples include Traction Alopecia, CCCA (Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia), and “Black Dot” Alopecia. Years of tight styles—like braids, ponytails, or sew-ins—and chemical services such as relaxers can aggravate the scalp, with the hairline and crown being especially vulnerable. Warning signs include persistent tenderness, shiny or smooth patches with few visible follicle openings, and steady thinning in the same areas over time. If scarring alopecia is suspected, early evaluation with a dermatologist is important to help protect remaining follicles.
Itchiness that starts right after introducing a new product often points to an allergic or irritant response to one or more ingredients. That means the scalp’s skin barrier is irritated or inflamed by something it doesn’t tolerate. Potential triggers include fragrance, certain preservatives, sulfates, parabens, specific drying alcohols, and even essential oils like tea tree or lavender. Natural oils such as coconut or almond can also be problematic for some people, especially if the scalp is already dry or inflamed. Symptoms can include itching, redness, burning, flaking, or tiny bumps.
When irritation arises, the first step is to stop using the new product immediately. Gently cleanse with a mild, fragrance-free shampoo to remove residue, then monitor symptoms. If discomfort persists for more than a few days, consult a dermatologist to confirm whether the issue is allergy, sensitivity, or something else entirely. Patch testing can help identify the specific ingredient responsible so you can avoid it going forward.
For everyday care, ease tension on the hair by rotating styles and choosing looser installs, simplify your product lineup while irritation calms, and focus on protecting the scalp barrier with gentle cleansing and lightweight moisture to avoid buildup. Assess habits like heat frequency, chemical history, diet, stress, and sleep, and track changes with weekly photos of your part line, hairline, and crown so you can spot trends early. If you notice shiny patches, reduced follicle openings, or rapid loss in the same area, prioritize a medical evaluation.
As a lightweight option to support a balanced scalp environment, consider an Ayurvedic blend infused with real pomelo peels (citrus) to help reduce shedding and nourish the scalp. A fast-absorbing formula powered by amla, bhringraj, and brahmi in a base of jojoba, grapeseed, and sunflower (with no coconut) moisturizes without buildup and suits all hair types. The bright citrus aroma feels refreshing while botanicals support a calm, clean foundation for healthy growth. Apply a few drops to the scalp and lengths two to four times weekly, massage gently for one to two minutes, and patch test behind the ear if you have a sensitive scalp.