All about Alopecia

Types, Myths, and Hair Loss Solutions

Alopecia (pronounced ah – luh – peesh – uh) is a hot topic these days! Every news outlet is publishing its own perspective on the subject. The true definition is baldness—that is, complete or partial absence of hair where it usually grows on the body. Still, there isn’t really an “in a nutshell” description.

This is because alopecia can affect any part (or all) of your body. But most people today use the term specifically for hair loss across the scalp.

We’re licensed experts in hair loss solutions… and intimately familiar with conditions that cause hair loss. Today, we’re breaking down types of alopecia, busting common myths, and suggesting our favorite alternative hair options.

Types of Alopecia and Potential Causes

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder and typically falls into 1 of 4 categories. No category is contagious, and scientists are still determining how much of a role genetics play. You may have a single hair loss episode or recurring baldness. It’s different for everyone!

A recent study found that in the US, Hispanic and Black women have a “significantly greater” chance of developing alopecia than White women.

Thanks to modern science, we’re learning more every day. Alopecia can be caused by hormonal imbalances, other health conditions, new medications, stress, and more. You can’t do much for prevention, either—you can only try to treat it once it manifests. Let’s dive into the various types.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata refers to circular areas, or patches, of hair loss. This term is frequently used to describe patches on the scalp, but can actually refer to bald areas anywhere on your body.

Most people with alopecia have alopecia areata, specifically. The patches range from approximately coin-sized to lemon-sized, and they’re usually clustered together.

This condition is typically temporary, and you’ll most likely see hair regrowth… but this can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. It’s different for each individual.

 

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia totalis is the complete loss of hair on your scalp. It can begin as areata and progress into totalis, but in some cases hair loss occurs all at once.

The good news? It’s not always permanent. Alopecia is an extremely unpredictable condition, presenting differently in each unique person. Even if your scalp goes entirely bald, you may experience regrowth in the future.

Alopecia Universalis

Alopecia universalis is the 100% loss of all hair on your entire body. This includes your body hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. This particular condition is exceedingly rare.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for any form of alopecia. But even in extreme cases, hair loss can be temporary. Hair may regrow on its own… sometimes many years after the onset of this condition.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is caused by extreme damage to your hair and follicles. When you pull your hair back into tight hairstyles frequently (think buns, ponytails, tight braids), the excessive tension causes your individual hairs to break repeatedly.

Baldness can become permanent if you wear tight hairstyles daily over a long period. The follicles under the skin can’t keep up with the damage, and they’ll permanently stop growing new hair.

man runs hands through hair
man runs hands through hair

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is caused by extreme damage to your hair and follicles. When you pull your hair back into tight hairstyles frequently (think buns, ponytails, tight braids), the excessive tension causes your individual hairs to break repeatedly.

Baldness can become permanent if you wear tight hairstyles daily over a long period. The follicles under the skin can’t keep up with the damage, and they’ll permanently stop growing new hair.

Common Alopecia Myths

Today, everybody has a platform to share their voice with the world. Unfortunately, this makes it hard for you to cut through the noise. Let’s take a moment to separate fact from fiction.

“Alopecia means you can’t grow any hair… at all”

If you’ve read this far, you already know! The above statement is false. Alopecia most commonly affects isolated areas, not your entire body. In fact, alopecia universalis—wherein you lose all of your hair all over your body—is incredibly rare.

 

“Once you have alopecia, your hair will never grow back.”

False again. Unless you’ve caused traction alopecia, the follicles stay alive under your skin… meaning that hair can start growing back at any time. Most people diagnosed with alopecia areata experience hair regrowth eventually, according to this recent study.

diagram of increasing stages of hair loss

Alopecia Hair Loss Solutions

Have you received an alopecia diagnosis? You aren’t alone. 1 in 50 Americans will experience alopecia areata in their lifetime! Luckily, there are a wide variety of hair loss solutions available to you. Our favorite options listed below don’t require you to shave your head or anything else that might exacerbate your hair loss.

Strategic Styling

If you have just a few small bald patches, you may not need a long-wearing hair prosthesis… because it’s likely your hair will regrow! You can do strategic styling in the meantime. Our team of licensed experts will work with you to find easy, discreet styling tricks you can replicate at home. Whether you want a completely new haircut for this phase of your life or hope to keep your current style, we’ve got plenty of pro tips to share.

Extensions

Is your baldness noticeably affecting your hair’s volume and length? You’ll love the CNC-XT by Cesare Ragazzi, a major laboratory focusing on hair loss solutions. We customize these extensions just for you thanks to 3D printing technology. The 100% unprocessed human hair in the CNC-XT is healthy, high quality, and always matched to your own hair’s texture and density.

Designed to add length and volume, these extensions are also free of microlinks, braiding, and tape. We apply them with a fast and non-damaging method so you don’t have to spend all day in the salon having your head yanked around. We truly strive to make your salon visit quick and effortless!

Full Coverage

Are you looking for a full-coverage (yet seamless) hair loss solution? Cesare Ragazzi recently released their newest innovation, the iThin Hair Restoration System. This cutting-edge alopecia solution uses 100% virgin hair just like the CNC-XT. And it takes 3D printing to the next level!

The end result? An ultra-thin scalp 3D printed to perfectly match you, full of healthy human hair identical to your own hair’s density and texture. The best part is it’s hypoallergenic and breathable, allowing your hair to start regrowing naturally.

Our licensed experts have decades of experience helping people like you find their ideal hair loss solutions. Thanks to the technology of Cesare Ragazzi, you don’t have to spend another moment hiding and waiting for your alopecia to pass.

Book an appointment with us today to take back your confidence—without sacrificing the health of your hair and scalp.