What is the term for abnormal hair loss?

The term for abnormal hair loss is defined as alopecia. This condition encompasses various types of hair loss, including those that affect the scalp and other areas of the body. Alopecia can manifest in different forms, such as alopecia areata, which is characterized by sudden hair loss in patches, and androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness, which indicates a hereditary predisposition to hair thinning and loss. Using the term alopecia is broader and encompasses all abnormal hair loss, making it the most accurate choice in this context.

Other options reflect specific conditions or practices related to hair but do not serve as overarching terms for abnormal hair loss. For example, epilation refers specifically to the process of removing hair, while trichotillomania is a psychological condition that involves an irresistible urge to pull out one's own hair, leading to hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is a specific type of alopecia rather than a general term.