The average person sheds 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. Unfortunately, that rate is remarkably higher for over 80 million people in the United States. Within the group of 80 million that suffer from hair loss, 6.8 million people suffer from a disease called Alopecia. Some of you might have a vague idea of what Alopecia is, and others might know it all too well.
Buckle in, because we are going to learn a thing or two about this condition, to bring more awareness into our lives, and into yours!
1. What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is an autoimmune skin disease that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and body. It has no boundaries and affects people of all ages, sexes, and ethnicities. It is often first noticed during childhood, and can play out differently for everyone who has it.
2. What Happens to My Immune System With Alopecia?
Typically, a person's immune system protects the body against infection and disease. In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In the case of Alopecia, the immune system (white blood cells) falsely attacks sections of hair follicles, resulting in the stunting of the hair growth stage. These affected follicles develop into extremely small strands, drastically slow down production, and no new hair grows on the scalp surface for months or years.
In all of the forms of Alopecia, the hair follicles remain alive. They are ready to resume normal hair production whenever they receive the appropriate signal from the body.
3. What is the Cause of Alopecia?
The specific cause of Alopecia has not been identified, although it has been linked to genetics. Scientists suggest that a combination of genes may predispose certain people to Alopecia. In these predisposed people, a trigger (possibly a virus, stress, or psychological trauma) may bring on the disorder.
4. What are the Different Types of Alopecia?
Common Non-Scarring Alopecias:
Androgenic Alopecia - Another name for this is "Female/Male Pattern Baldness". This condition is common among both men and women. In women, thinning often starts as widening of the center hair part and the crown.
Alopecia Areata - This is the general term for Alopecia and is an autoimmune condition where hair falls out in round or oval patches.
Telogen Effluvium Alopecia is hair shedding and loss triggered by physical or physiological stress.
Traction Alopecia - This condition results from long-term tension, pulling, and damage to the hair follicle and papilla.
Alopecia Totalis - This is characterized by the entirety of hair loss on the scalp.
Alopecia Universalis - This results in the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body.
Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecias:
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia - This is a type of primary scarring alopecia that results in permanent hair loss.
Lichen Planopilaris Alopecia - This is a scarring, permanent form of alopecia that affects the sides, front, and lower scalp.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia - This is a scarring condition where hair falls out across the front of the scalp.
Other Types of Alopecia:
Ophiasis Alopecia - This is characterized by a wave pattern around the edge of the scalp.
Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia - This is hair loss that occurs following chemotherapy treatment.
Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia - This is hair loss that continues for more than six months after chemotherapy.
Trichotillomania Alopecia - This is hair loss resulting from a psychological condition where individuals pull out their own hair.
5. What Wig Cap Should I Buy If I Have Alopecia?
| Cap Construction |
Pros |
Best For |
| Double Monofilament Cap Wigs |
These wigs are highly recommended for their comfort and natural look, making them ideal for protecting sensitive scalps. |
- Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
- Persistent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata
- Alopecia Totalis
- Alopecia Universalis
|
| Lace Front Wigs |
Known for their natural appearance, these wigs feature an invisible lace front that creates a seamless look. |
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
- Lichen Planopilaris Alopecia
- Telogen Effluvium Alopecia
- Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
- Ophiasis Alopecia
|
| 100% Hand Tied Wigs |
These wigs are designed to avoid irritation and provide the most natural appearance, especially for frequent wig wearers. |
- Lichen Planopilaris Alopecia
- Traction Alopecia
- Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
- Alopecia Totalis
- Alopecia Universalis
|
| Hair Toppers |
If you need to fill in patchy spots on the crown or near the parting line, hair toppers are an excellent choice. They blend seamlessly with your natural hair. |
- Traction Alopecia
- Telogen Effluvium Alopecia
- Trichotillomania Alopecia
- Alopecia Areata
- Androgenic Alopecia
- Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
|
6. What is the Best Wig Brand for someone with Medical Needs?
If you are someone dealing with medical issues, the brand Amore was developed for those going through chemotherapy. Amore is best known for its double monofilament feature, catering to customers with total hair loss. The double monofilament top allows for a comfortable fit and feel for those with little to no hair.
Whether you are in the collection of people who only lose 50 to 100 strands a day, or you have a personal relationship with Alopecia, we are not too different. By the time women reach age 50, roughly half of us will be dealing with some degree of pattern hair loss. Children are also affected; approximately 3% of all pediatric doctor visits each year are due to hair-loss-related issues in children. I hope this has shed just a bit more light on this condition, and helps your understanding of Alopecia.
If you are surviving with Alopecia, you are not alone in this journey.
Please, feel free to reach out and find support!
Wanna learn more about Hair Loss? Read our blogs!
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