Alopecia could be the general scientific term for hair thinning. There are numerous subtypes of Alopecia including: Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Traction Alopecia, Alopecia Universalis and such like. Put very simply, alopecia means hair thinning. The main manifestation of alopecia areata is roundish patches of hair thinning on the head, with smooth, hairless scalp into the affected areas. Alopecia totalis involves the entire loss in all scalp hair, and alopecia universalis is described as the entire lack of all scalp and the body hair. Certain medications to advertise new hair growth (such as for instance minoxidil and finasteride).