Retrograde Alopecia

Retrograde Alopecia is a descriptive term for a hair loss pattern where the margin of hair recedes or thins in a backward direction from its original hairline position, which may involve the frontal hairline, temporal regions, or the nape. The appearance can range from subtle widening of the hair margin to more pronounced loss with irregular borders; whether follicles are permanently destroyed (scarring) or are miniaturized and potentially salvageable depends on the underlying process.

Common causes include chronic traction from hairstyles, scarring or inflammatory scalp disorders, local injuries such as burns or radiation, and less commonly other scalp diseases. Diagnosis relies on clinical inspection, dermoscopy, and, when needed, biopsy to differentiate scarring from non-scarring alopecia; management focuses on addressing the underlying cause, stopping damaging practices, controlling inflammation if present, and considering reconstructive options such as hair transplantation only after the condition is inactive and stable.