Alopecia areata (al-oh-PEE-shee-ah ar-ee –ey-tuh) is commonly referred to as hair loss. There are many different forms of hair loss. If one were studying the art of cosmetology, the student would learn from Milady's textbook that alopecia areata is a sudden loss of hair in round or irregular patches; the scalp is not inflamed. Even after many years of research, the cause of hair loss has not yet been identified. Currently, this form of alopecia is seen in people who experience a lot of stress or who suffer from an autoimmune disease. Word History The description of alopecia has existed since 30 AD, when Cornelius's census used the Greek word "alopecia" meaning fox's mange. . It was not until the 18th century that the true term alopecia areata was used by Sauvages. (keratin.com)NegationAlopecia areata should not be confused with androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is a common hereditary hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. (Milady's 65) With androgenetic alopecia, the hair on the head does not grow back as in alopecia areata. The follicles that hold the hair in the scalp become smaller in diameter, making the hair shaft thinner and eventually falling out. In a normal hair cycle, hair grows, rests, falls out and then grows back. Each cycle generally lasts between 3 and 7 years. With a healthy head of hair, the growth cycle should be closer to 7 years, while a head with alopecia is closer to 3 years. (surviving-hairloss.com) The Cosmetology Handbook states that hair length and thickness are determined by how long the hair can grow before entering the next phase of rest and shedding, hair loss is therefore...... in the middle of article ......octor on ways to overcome alopecia. Understand that some forms of hair loss can be treated while others can help those who struggle with very common hair thinning and loss.Work Cited "Alopecia Areata - Overview of Alopecia Areata". Information on hair loss and growth. Internet. January 25, 2010. “OntarioHealth.com – Alopecia”. HealthyOntario.com provides trusted health information, treatment options, services and tips for a healthier lifestyle. Internet. January 25, 2010. “Know Your Hair Growth Cycle.” Hair loss, living and surviving with this disease. Internet. January 25, 2010. .Milady. Milady's Standard Manual of Cosmetology, 2000 Edition (Hardcover). Milady, 1999. Print.