What is alopecia?

Alopecia is a medical condition characterized by the loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body.

 

Who gets alopecia?

This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.

 

What types of alopecia are there?

There are various types, each with its own characteristics and causes, here are some of the primary types. 

 

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, it's the most common type of hair loss, characterized by a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp in a typical pattern.

 

• Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other areas of the body.

 

• Alopecia Totalis: In this condition, there is a complete loss of hair on the scalp.

 

• Alopecia Universalis: Similar to alopecia totalis, but it involves complete loss of hair on the entire body, including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas.

 

• Traction Alopecia: Caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair follicles, often due to tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids, leading to gradual hair loss, especially around the hairline.

 

• Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs when there's a significant stressor on the body, such as childbirth, surgery, severe illness, or extreme stress, leading to a sudden shedding of hair several months later.

 

• Anagen Effluvium: Usually caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, this type of hair loss affects the active growing phase of hair follicles, leading to sudden and extensive hair loss.

 

• Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia): In this condition, inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss.

 

Is there a difference in alopecia in men and women?

For most types of alopecia, there is no difference in how it affects men and women.

 

What are the main causes and symptoms of alopecia?

There is no single main cause of alopecia. The cause is dependent on the type that you have.  In terms of symptoms loss of hair on the scalp is most common. 

 

Is it possible to catch alopecia from someone who has it?

Alopecia is not contagious.  It's not caused by any infectious agent or transferred from person to person through physical contact.
 

What is the difference between scarring alopecia and non scarring alopecia?

In scarring alopecia, the hair follicles are scarred, effectively destroying them. In these cases, hair loss is permanent. In

non-scarring alopecia, the hair follicle remains intact, and the hair will regrow back when the underlying condition is addressed.

What causes alopecia to flare up?

Triggers are dependent on the type of alopecia you have. However, common triggers include significant stress, infection, and hormonal imbalances.

 

How do I stop my alopecia?

Unfortunately, there is not much that we can do to stop alopecia on our own. In most cases, you will require the intervention of a physician.

​

Is alopecia caused by stress?

Stress can certainly trigger some types of alopecia, but this is not the case for everyone.

 

Did I do something wrong to cause alopecia?

Alopecia is multi factorial and occurs as a result of changes in the body’s physiology. With the exception of chronic use of relaxants and tight hairstyles, there is nothing that one could have done to cause their Alopecia.

 

What alopecia treatment options are there?

There are various treatment options i.e topical treatments, steroid injections etc.  However any treatment is very dependent on the type of alopecia one has. There are no standard treatments that address all types.  Your healthcare provider can help you decide which options are best suited for your situation.

 

Can my diet help increase hair growth?

While maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial for overall health, there is no evidence to suggest that any dietary interventions will increase hair growth in any type of alopecia.  A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients supports overall bodily functions, including the health of hair follicles. However, factors like genetics, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions primarily influence hair growth.

 

Is regrowth possible with alopecia?

Generally speaking, there is the possibility of regrowth with non-scarring alopecia, but not with scarring alopecia once the scarring has occurred.   Regrowth is very dependent on the type of alopecia one has.

 

Does birth control affect hair loss?

In some people, birth control can affect hair loss, but this is not the case for everyone.

 

Can dreadlocks cause alopecia?

Chronic/prolonged wearing of tight hair styles can cause traction alopecia in some people.

 

Are there hairstyles I should avoid?

It's important to consider hairstyles that are gentle on your scalp and hair to minimize further hair loss or damage. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Styles that pull on your hair, such as tight ponytails, braids, buns or weaves can put stress on your hair and scalp, potentially exacerbating hair loss. Opt for looser styles that don’t create tension.

 

• Be Gentle with Hair Accessories: Hair accessories like clips, bands, and pins can sometimes cause breakage if used excessively or too tightly. Soft, fabric-covered accessories are a gentler choice.

 

• Minimize Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can weaken your hair. If you do use them, try to keep the heat setting low and use a heat protectant.

 

• Consider Protective Styles: Gentle, protective styles like loose twists or wraps can help protect your hair. Additionally, using silk or satin pillowcases and scarves can reduce friction and breakage.

 

• Chemical creams:  Using chemical relaxers and hair dyes can sometimes aggravate the scalp and hair issues, especially when dealing with alopecia. These products contain strong chemicals that may further irritate or damage your scalp and hair follicles.

​

What vitamins can I take to help my alopecia?

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are relatively rare in people who eat a Western diet, with the exception of vitamin D (aka vitamin D3) and sometimes Iron. Other vitamins and supplements like biotin and collagen are purported to support hair growth, but there is no strong evidence to suggest it has any effect on the average person’s hair growth (i.e., a person who is not deficient - which is most people). People with Vitamin D and or iron deficiencies who are also experiencing hair loss may benefit from supplementation.

 

Can carrier oils, essential oils, and/or butters stimulate hair growth?

There is very little strong scientific evidence to suggest that carrier oils, essential oils, or other butters or serums have any effect on hair regrowth.  However, they might help in calming or moisturizing the scalp, depending on how you use them. Still, it's important to be cautious when applying any products to your scalp and do a patch test first to check if they're suitable for your skin.

 

Can I dye my hair with alopecia?

Generally speaking, standard hair dyes will not worsen alopecia. However, they can be irritating to the scalp and may cause hair breakage depending on the strength (i.e., bleaching dyes).

 

Why are some areas of my scalp growing and others are not?

Alopecia can be unpredictable, and in many cases, hair will not grow back uniformly. You may notice some areas filling in, and/or falling out before others. This is simply the nature of the conditions causing the Alopecia.

 

My lashes and eyebrows are falling out, what do I do?

This type of loss is associated with alopecia areata, and more rarely, frontal fibrosing alopecia. In any case, evaluation and management by a dermatologist (a medical doctor specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) is recommended.

 

My scalp is burning and itchy, what can I do?

Scarring alopecias, and sometimes alopecia areata are associated with scalp burning and itching. In any case, evaluation and management by a dermatologist (a medical doctor specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) is recommended.

 

Why do my siblings or any of my other family members not have alopecia? Does it skip a generation?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the onset of alopecia. While heredity is one of them, it is not the only one. Thus, alopecia may run in families, skip generations, or affect a single person and not their relatives.

 

How do I protect my scalp all year round?

Good scalp care practices, such as maintaining cleanliness and moisture are the best ways to protect your scalp year round. In the summer months, be sure to cover your scalp with hats or use sunscreen to protect against sunburns.

​

Can I work out with alopecia?

Absolutely, you can work out with alopecia! Having alopecia does not affect your ability to exercise or enjoy physical activities. In fact, regular exercise can be beneficial for your overall well-being, helping to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your physical health.  It's important to take care of yourself while working out, so if you're concerned about how your scalp might react to sweat or if you want to protect it from the sun, consider wearing a breathable hat or a headband. Additionally, always listen to your body and choose activities that you enjoy and feel comfortable doing.

 

I just want to be normal, I hate my alopecia, What can I do?

Alopecia can be very challenging, both emotionally and physically. It's completely understandable to want to feel "normal" and to be upset by this condition. Here are a few suggestions that might help:

 

• Seek Support: Connecting with others who have alopecia can provide a sense of community and understanding. There are many support groups, both in-person and online, where you can share your experiences and hear from others who are going through similar situations.

 

• Talk to a Professional: Speaking with a therapist or counselor can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you navigate your feelings and develop coping strategies.

 

• Explore Treatment Options: Consult with a dermatologist to discuss potential treatments. While not all treatments work for everyone, a specialist can help you find the best options for your specific type of alopecia.

 

• Consider Cosmetic Solutions: Some people with alopecia find wigs, scarves, or hats to be a good way to feel more comfortable and confident. There are many stylish and realistic options available today.

 

• Focus on Self-Care: Taking care of your overall health and well-being can make a big difference in how you feel. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and mindfulness practices like meditation can help improve your mood and outlook.

 

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learning more about alopecia and educating those around you can help reduce misunderstandings and increase support from your social circle.

 

Remember, you are not alone, and it's okay to seek help and take steps to feel better. Your feelings are valid, and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as addressing the physical aspects of alopecia.