Alopecia is a condition of
hair loss that can vary in
severity, from patches that
come and go to a permanent,
total lack of hair. Many
believe that this is why any
choices that you consider
must allow for exactly what
is happening to you and how
you want to look. There are
three main types of
alopecia:
Androgenetic
Alopecia: Sometimes
referred to as female
pattern thinning, this
type of alopecia is
generally attributed to
hereditary and genetic
factors. The hair
becomes thinner all over
the head. Unlike in men,
the hairline typically
does not recede.
Alopecia areata:
patches of hair missing
on the scalp and body
Alopecia totalis:
baldness on the scalp
only
Alopecia universalis:
baldness on the scalp
and body
ALOPECIA AREATA
What should you know
about alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata is a common
condition that results in the loss
of hair on the scalp and elsewhere.
It usually starts with one or more
small, round, smooth patches. It
occurs in males and females of all
ages, but young persons are affected
most often.
Normally, hair follicles on the
scalp are producing 30 millimeters of
hair each day. In alopecia areata,
the affected hair follicles slow
down production drastically, become
very small, and grow no hair visible
above the surface for months or
years.
While in this
hibernation-like state, the hair
follicles remain alive below the
surface and are ready to resume
normal hair production whenever they
receive the appropriate signal.
Some
people develop only a few bare
patches and re-grow them within a
year, even without treatment. The
scalp is the most commonly affected
area, but the beard, or any hair
bearing site, can be affected alone
or together with the scalp. In some,
the condition spreads and affects
large areas of the scalp for long
periods of time. In others, the
entire scalp is lost or all on the
entire body is lost. No matter
how widespread the hair loss, the
hair follicles remain alive below
the skin surface, and the
possibility of hair re-growth
remains.
What is the signal that triggers the
condition to start or stop?
It’s not clearly known, but an
immunological signal is involved.
Current research suggests that in
alopecia areata something triggers
the immune system to suppress the
hair follicle. It isn’t known what
this trigger is, or whether it comes
from outside the body like a virus,
or from inside like a hormone. Those
who suffer from this may also have
antibodies directed against other
normal parts of the body even though
there is no disease or disability
associated with these other
antibodies.
Is alopecia areata due to nerves?
No, alopecia areata is not a nervous
disorder and those who have it have
not caused it and have no control
over its course.
Is it necessary to change plans
regarding school, sports, friends,
career, dating, and marriage?
No, not at all.
WIGS FOR WOMEN WITH ALOPECIA
For the very ultimate in comfort and
style there is nothing like a
high-quality human hair wigs for
women with thinning hair or balding
from Alopecia.
Contrary
to popular belief, not all human
hair wigs are hard to maintain. In
fact, because you can use hot
blowers, rollers and curling
(straightening) irons you have a lot
more styling options.
Human
hair wigs are cut and customized to
the look that you want. For this
reason we do not have set styles
like with the synthetic wigs. You
can style human hair wigs like you
would your own natural growing hair.
"I absolutely love
my new wig. The hair
flows so naturally,
and the highlights
you added are
perfect.
I was able to wear
my wig (and my
smile) to work this
past Monday. Nobody
asked me where I
purchased my wig.
They asked me where
I got my hair cut."
Meet with a trained hair
loss professional and get
all your questions answered.
Receive a complete scalp and
hair loss assessment.
It’s private, FREE, and
there is no obligation.
