This could be many things. Could it be LPP? Sure, but it could also be androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium (the two most likely statistically speaking) or diffuse alopecia areata. Even a mild folliculitis might be present. A full review of the history, examination of the scalp with dermoscopy and review of blood tests is needed. If there is any doubt a biopsy would be needed. Please see a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a scarring alopecia that typically starts with scalp symptoms such as itching and burning. Sometimes the scalp is quite tender in areas. Shedding is often present as well. LPP affects similar areas to androgenetic alopecia (female pattern thinning) so it is a close mimicker. In the early stages, some scalp redness may be present and inflammation may be seen around the hairs clinically. A biopsy can be helpful provided it is read by an experienced dermatopathologist. Even by biopsy, androgenetic alopecia and LPP can be confused as both can have inflammation (perifollicular inflammation in the isthmus) and both can have scarring (perifollicular fibrosis).