Cicatricial alopecia, sometimes referred to as scarring alopecia, is a condition that can cause hair loss. It is not a common condition, but it is one that can cause frustration and fear. Those who suffer from this form of alopecia experience damage to the hair follicles, which are the thin shafts from which hair grows. Damage to these shafts causes hair loss. In most cases, this type of scarring leads to permanent hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss that is unexpected or may be unexplained due to medication or hormone changes, you may wish to speak to your doctor or a dermatologist about the hair loss so a formal diagnosis of cicatricial hair loss can be made.