What is Alopecia Awareness Month?
September marks Alopecia Awareness Month — an important time to highlight this common yet often misunderstood hair loss condition. If you or someone you know is noticing circular patches of hair loss on the scalp, alopecia could be the cause. Unlike typical male- or female-pattern baldness, alopecia may be linked to other health conditions.
In fact, more than 100,000 people in the UK are currently living with Alopecia Areata. By shining a spotlight on what alopecia is, who it affects, and the treatments available, we can help reduce stigma and dispel the misconceptions surrounding it.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia areata, often shortened to alopecia, is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. While some people may inherit it, this is not always the case.
Causes
Alopecia occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, causing the affected follicles to shed their hair. This can result in small, coin-sized bald patches on the scalp, or in more severe cases, widespread hair loss across the body.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden bald patches on the scalp or beard
- Small patches merging into larger bald areas
- Cycles of hair loss and regrowth
- Flare-ups that worsen over time
- In some cases, nail changes such as ridges or pitting
- Rarely, complete loss of scalp, body, eyebrow, and eyelash hair
Why is Alopecia Awareness Important?
Recognising the signs of alopecia early allows people to seek proper care and support. By raising awareness, we can:
- Improve understanding of the condition
- Normalise hair loss beyond male-pattern baldness
- Promote targeted solutions for those affected
- Encourage further research into treatments
Types of Alopecia
Alopecia doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Some of the most recognised subtypes include:
- Alopecia totalis – complete scalp hair loss
- Alopecia universalis – total body hair loss
- Alopecia barbae – patchy beard hair loss
- Alopecia ophiasis – band-like hair loss around the scalp
Other forms include traction alopecia, caused by tight hairstyles, and telogen effluvium, where temporary hair shedding occurs due to stress or hormonal changes.
Who Does Alopecia Affect?
Alopecia can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. However, women and people of colour may be slightly more susceptible. Symptoms often begin before middle age, and in some cases, there may be a family history of the condition. Alopecia is also linked to other autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, lupus, and vitiligo.
Can Alopecia Be Cured?
Currently, there is no permanent cure for alopecia. Symptoms may come and go, sometimes improving with lifestyle changes or treatment. While some people embrace hair loss, others seek ways to restore their hair and confidence.
It’s important to be cautious of “miracle cures” found online. Instead, speaking with a trusted hair restoration specialist can help you find safe, evidence-based solutions tailored to your needs.
What Hair Loss Solutions Work for Alopecia?
Hair Systems
For those with alopecia, hair systems offer an immediate, non-surgical solution. Unlike traditional wigs, modern systems are custom-made to blend naturally with your hairline and skin tone. Lightweight, breathable, and secure, they allow you to live life with confidence — whether at work, exercising, or socialising.
Hair Therapy Program
Low-level laser treatments, alongside topical FDA-approved medication, can help stimulate growth and improve scalp health, supporting long-term hair quality.
Micropigmentation (SMP)
This non-surgical technique uses precise pigmentation to replicate hair follicles, creating the look of a fuller hairline or thicker density.
Hair Transplant
For those with complete hair loss and minimal regrowth potential, transplants such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) provide a long-term, natural-looking result.
Spreading Alopecia Awareness
Raising awareness helps to normalise different forms of hair loss and reminds us that this condition affects people from all walks of life. With more open conversations, we can reduce stigma and improve access to effective treatments.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re struggling with alopecia or other forms of hair loss, you don’t have to face it alone. Explore safe, proven solutions with the experts at Aderans The London Hair Clinic.
👉 Book your consultation here and take the first step towards restoring your confidence.
