Alopecia totalis is a hair loss condition that causes complete baldness on the scalp, brought on by an autoimmune disease. While the condition is generally permanent, UK-based hair clinic, Hair to Ware, has a number of hair treatment solutions that will reinforce a positive self-image.
What Are the Causes of Alopecia Totalis?
Before analysing our various treatment options, it’s best to fully understand the condition, alopecia totalis, and what it will mean for you. Also referred to as AT, alopecia totalis is believed to be an autoimmune condition whereby your body’s immune system mistakenly identifies follicles as a foreign body and attacks them. It effectively kills off the hair and prevents re-growth.
Genetics: Around 20% of people who have alopecia totalis have a family member with the same condition, indicating that genetics plays a role in the condition’s cause.
Other Contributors: However, research indicates that other factors – allergies, viruses and toxins – that could enhance the chances of developing AT.
Stress: Evidence indicates that chronic stress for a period of time, or even an unexpected shock, can bring about alopecia totalis. It’s believed that stress lowers the immunity and results in the condition.
Autoimmune Conditions: AT is also more likely to be brought on if you suffer from another autoimmune condition, such as diabetes or an overactive thyroid.
Intermediary: Alopecia totalis is sometimes considered as an intermediary condition between two other forms of alopecia. These are:
1. Alopecia areata: You lose patches of hair on the scalp, often creating smooth, round patches about 2cm across.
2. Alopecia Universalis: On the other side of alopecia totalis is alopecia Universalis, which is where you lose all your hair on both your scalp and body. It can be a sudden loss of hair or start with patches that generally grow.
Who is Affected by AT?
- Although the condition is known to affect people of all ages, alopecia totalis is most often experienced by teenagers and young adults, aged between 15 and 29.
- It affects both men and women equally.
- About 5% of children with alopecia areata will develop alopecia totalis.
What are the Symptoms of AT?
The biggest indicator of alopecia totalis is the complete loss of hair on the scalp, which can also be accompanied by discomfort in the form of itching, tingling or pain. If you suspect your hair loss is because of alopecia totalis, you can consult with a dermatologist for a professional diagnosis. They will examine your scalp and patterns of hair loss. There are also tests involving a biopsy, blood tests and checking thyroid levels to investigate why the immune system is attacking the hair follicles.
At Hair to Ware, we always encourage clients to visit a GP or dermatologist first as it might be an unrelated condition that could rectify itself. The team can explain the hair loss cycle, as well as common hair loss conditions and treatments. In some instances, there are underlying conditions such as stress, overly-zealous hair treatments, or chemicals causing hair loss. The stress brought on by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is undoubtedly a contributing factor. Whatever the cause, we are here to find the right solution for you.
Psychological Impact
One of the biggest impacts of alopecia totalis is not the physical symptoms but the psychological ones. Hair loss can have a detrimental effect on a person’s self-image and confidence, so Hair to Ware is dedicated to providing lasting, natural solutions customised to the individual.
How Long Does AT Last?
AT is very unpredictable and, in some cases, is only temporary. However, once all the head on the hair has been lost, it is very rare for re-growth to occur and alternative treatment options might need to be explored. If you’ve had alopecia totalis for more than two years, it’s unlikely your hair will return, and there’s, unfortunately, no known cure.
What Are the Treatments for AT?
If you’ve been diagnosed with alopecia totalis, your health practitioner will be able to discuss some of the treatment options available. Some of the current treatment options available include:
Steroids
This treatment can be administered in injections, pills and creams, intended to boost the hair growth in the scalp. It usually starts as mild dosages which gradually progresses. There are side effects when used long-term, including allergic reactions and bleeding in the joints.
Diphencyprone (DPCP)
This is a form of pulse steroid therapy that is rubbed onto the scalp. The chemical causes an allergic reaction which can stimulate hair growth.
Biologics
This is a group of drugs, currently being tested in use for alopecia totalis, that will dampen the immune system to prevent the attack on hair follicles.
Topical Immunotherapy
This treatment boosts the immune system to help your body fight autoimmune disease, stimulating hair follicles for new growth.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
This medication, often used in conjunction with other therapies, may stimulate hair growth in some cases.
Ultraviolet Light Therapy
This treatment works by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth. However, hair loss can start up once treatment ends.
Essential Oils
There is some indication that a certain mix of essential oils can help stimulate hair follicles, cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary.
Hair Loss and Haircare Solutions by Hair to Ware
Because we have personal experience in hair loss, our team at Hair to Ware is committed to giving each client the best possible solution. Many of the treatments for alopecia totalis can become quite costly and invasive. We always encourage clients to visit an NHS practitioner for a full medical check-up before investing in treatment options. In some instances, the condition is not permanent, which needs to be factored into our solutions-driven approach.
Hair Loss Consultation
Once you’ve received a referral from a medical practitioner, we can arrange a consultation with you – either in person or via a video call. We’ll have an open and honest discussion with you about your various hair solutions and what is best for your particular lifestyle during this consultation.
After the initial consultation is complete and a hair loss solution decided upon, you’ll begin your journey with Hair to Ware with weekly, monthly or annual sessions, depending on the need. You can choose to work with the same hair loss consultant, and they are always ready to communicate, 24/7, on any preferred platform.
At Hair to Ware, we work with only the best quality natural human hair wigs that are long-lasting and give a completely natural look and feel. These wigs are crafted using the world’s best human hair, making them incredibly versatile and able to style into any look. The initial cost of investing in a natural human hair wig is worth it in the long run as it is incredibly durable, so will last you that much longer. Our range of human hair wigs differs in hair texture and thickness, depending on your preferred look.
Hair to Ware has partnered with premium wig manufacturer, Follea, and we are currently the only direct supplier of Follea in the UK. USA-based Follea is the industry leader, using only the finest quality European hair when it comes to wig brands. Through impeccable craftsmanship, clients are provided with incredibly realistic wigs in any style.
Alongside our incredible range of wigs, hair extensions and hair systems, Hair to Ware provides scalp micropigmentation for those looking for a cost-effective hair solution. We have collaborated with Hairlusion for this high-quality, non-invasive treatment. A form of cosmetic tattooing, scalp micropigmentation gives the appearance of hair density or a shaved head to hide the signs of balding, thinning hair and general hair loss.
Why Choose Hair to Ware?
Hair to Ware’s Amanda Haldenby is an expert in hair loss solutions and, with her highly qualified and experienced team, can offer bespoke solutions from the UK-based hair clinic. Having personal experience with ongoing hair loss, Amanda can give comprehensive support and a realistic idea of what you’re likely to expect. At Hair to Ware, you’ll be benefitting from:
- A range of products that are proven to help with hair loss and treatments for permanent hair loss such as wigs.
- A personal hair loss consultant will document all your hair loss and maintain a full record to track your treatment progress. We also provide ongoing hair styling for our clients where required.
- A hair loss clinic that doesn’t prioritise cost over the client. We are incredibly aware of budgetary constraints and will inform you how much the NHS can pay towards your treatment, with Hair to Ware providing payment solutions where needed.
- A team who are in business to help people, and where hair loss is a temporary feature, we can provide more insight into what you’re likely to expect going forwards.
With Hair to Ware, you always have ongoing support and expert insight into what you can expect.
