Hair Loss & Alopecia Treatment: Androgenetic Alopecia & Alopecia Areata (Kedah, Perlis & Penang)
Not all hair loss is the same. The two most common types we treat at Loh & Celine Skin Specialist Clinic in Alor Setar, Kedah are Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern hair loss / rambut menipis) and Alopecia Areata (patchy immune hair loss). They look different, are caused by different things, and need different treatment — so getting the right diagnosis is everything. We help patients across Kedah, Perlis and Penang.
Imagine your scalp is a garden.
Androgenetic alopecia is a slow soil problem: genetics and the hormone DHT gradually shrink each plant (follicle) until hairs grow thinner and shorter — a slow, widespread thinning.
Alopecia areata is a sudden pest attack: the immune system mistakes healthy follicles for invaders and clears them, leaving smooth, round bald patches almost overnight. Two very different problems — two very different solutions.
Signs and Symptoms: Telling Them Apart
How to tell the two apart:
- Androgenetic Alopecia (pattern): gradual thinning over months–years. In men — a receding hairline and crown thinning. In women — a widening parting and overall thinning (the hairline usually stays). Hair gets finer, not patchy.
- Alopecia Areata (patchy): sudden, smooth, round bald patches — often coin-sized — on an otherwise normal scalp. Can affect beard or eyebrows. Sometimes tiny “exclamation-mark” hairs at the edges. It can regrow and relapse.
Other clues we assess: nail pitting (linked to alopecia areata), scalp health, and family history. A quick clinic exam — sometimes with a dermatoscope — confirms the type. Learn more about what causes hair loss.
Causes: Why Each Type Happens
Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)
- Minoxidil — “wakes up” shrinking follicles and boosts blood flow.
- Finasteride / Dutasteride — blocks DHT, the hormone shrinking the follicles (mainly for men).
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) — energises follicles. See our laser hair regrowth guide.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) — your own growth factors to stimulate roots.
Treatment for Alopecia Areata (Patchy Hair Loss)
- Steroid injections into the patches — calm the immune attack locally; often the first-line for small patches.
- Topical immunotherapy & strong topical steroids — for more widespread patches.
- Newer oral JAK inhibitors — a breakthrough for extensive, resistant alopecia areata, under dermatologist supervision.
- Supportive care — managing stress and any linked conditions.
Trusted Medical References
For further reading from global authorities, see the AAD on Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata, and the UK NHS guide to Hair Loss.
Why Choose Loh & Celine Skin Specialist Clinic?
Led by board-certified dermatologist Dr Loh Ken Chen, we accurately diagnose which type of hair loss you have and match it to the right treatment. We’re a trusted choice for patients across Kedah, Perlis and Penang. See also our general hair loss treatment guide and 8 tips to prevent hair loss.
Treatment Options for Both Types of Hair Loss
Different problems need different solutions — here’s how we treat pattern hair loss and alopecia areata.
Minoxidil & DHT Blockers
For androgenetic alopecia — wake shrinking follicles and block the DHT hormone that causes pattern thinning.
LLLT & PRP
Low-level laser and platelet-rich plasma to energise and regrow follicles in pattern hair loss.
Steroid Injections (Areata)
Targeted injections into bald patches to calm the immune attack in alopecia areata.
JAK Inhibitors (Areata)
Breakthrough oral therapy for extensive or resistant alopecia areata, under specialist care.
Frequently Asked Questions (Soalan Lazim)
Real questions we hear from hair loss and alopecia patients in Kedah, Perlis and Penang.
What’s the difference between androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata?
Androgenetic alopecia is gradual, genetic, hormone-driven thinning (pattern hair loss). Alopecia areata is sudden, patchy, autoimmune hair loss with smooth round bald spots. They need completely different treatments, so correct diagnosis is essential.
Is alopecia areata permanent? (Adakah alopecia areata kekal?)
Not usually. Hair often regrows, sometimes on its own, and treatment can speed it up. However, it can relapse. Early treatment helps calm the immune attack and encourage regrowth.
Can pattern hair loss (androgenetic) be reversed?
It can be significantly improved and slowed, especially when caught early. Minoxidil, DHT blockers, laser and PRP can regrow and thicken hair. Once a follicle fully closes it can’t be revived, so starting early matters.
Is alopecia areata caused by stress?
Stress can be a trigger in some people, but the root cause is autoimmune — the immune system attacking follicles. Managing stress helps, but medical treatment addresses the immune attack itself.
Are these conditions contagious? (Adakah berjangkit?)
No. Neither androgenetic alopecia nor alopecia areata is contagious. You cannot catch or pass on either type — they are internal (hormonal or immune) conditions.
Do women get androgenetic alopecia too?
Yes. Female-pattern hair loss is common and shows as a widening parting and overall thinning. It’s very treatable — we tailor the plan to female hair loss patterns and hormones.
How long until I see regrowth?
Most treatments need 3–6 months of consistent use before visible results, because hair grows slowly. Patience and sticking to the plan give the best outcome.
When should I see a dermatologist? (Bila perlu jumpa pakar kulit?)
See a specialist as soon as you notice thinning, a widening parting, a receding hairline, or sudden bald patches. Early diagnosis tells us which type you have and gives the best chance of regrowth.
Explore More (Related Guides)
Go deeper with our detailed hair loss guides and trusted medical references.
Laser Hair Regrowth Explained
How Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulates follicles for thicker hair.
What Causes Hair Loss?
The genetics, hormones and immune factors behind thinning hair.
General Hair Loss Guide
Our complete overview of hair loss types and treatments.
AAD — Alopecia Areata
Global dermatology authority guidance (American Academy of Dermatology).
NHS — Hair Loss Guide
Trusted UK National Health Service patient information.
Book a Consultation
See Dr Loh Ken Chen in Alor Setar — serving Kedah, Perlis & Penang.
About the Author
Dr Loh Ken Chen is a board-certified dermatologist at Loh & Celine Skin Specialist Clinic in Alor Setar, Kedah. He treats androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and all forms of hair loss for patients across Kedah, Perlis and Penang, combining evidence-based medicine with a clear, personalised plan for every patient.