A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions, including those that affect hair and nails. A dermatologist should have more in-depth knowledge about different types of alopecia than a general practitioner. They should be able to provide a diagnosis (if there's uncertainty), explain more about the condition, and offer available treatment options.
Most likely, the dermatologist will examine your scalp (and/or other areas of hair loss) and ask questions about your hair loss to determine a diagnosis. In rare cases, a biopsy (a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken from the affected area) may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Your dermatologist will let you know if this is needed. In most cases, a diagnosis can be made without a biopsy.
Bring a pen and paper to any appointment so you can take notes. It’s easy to forget what was discussed. Or consider bringing a friend or family member if you're feeling emotionally overwhelmed—sometimes it’s hard to take in information when we’re anxious.
Please note that not all dermatologists are well-versed in hair loss conditions. Dermatology covers a wide range of skin issues, and some dermatologists specialize in particular conditions like psoriasis. It may be helpful to find a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss.
The word "alopecia" simply means hair loss. If you’re experiencing more hair loss than what’s normal for you, then you're experiencing some form of alopecia. The next step is figuring out which type you have.
We recommend speaking with your general practitioner first. If they’re unable to make a diagnosis, they can refer you to a dermatologist.
Please note that the word "alopecia" is often used by doctors as shorthand to refer specifically to "alopecia areata." This can be confusing because there are other types of alopecia! If you're unsure which type your doctor is referring to, ask them to clarify.
Hair loss often occurs without any discomfort, but some patients may experience various sensations. So it's hard to say what’s "normal." If you’re experiencing discomfort such as itching, pain, burning, or tenderness, you’re definitely not alone.
When hair falls out, inflammation can occur around the hair follicles. This inflammation can cause discomfort. Some people with alopecia also report similar sensations when their hair starts to regrow.
Using anti-inflammatory medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen) or antihistamines (like Piriton) can help reduce symptoms. A cold or warm compress on the affected area may also provide relief.
Discuss your symptoms with your GP and/or dermatologist, as some physical symptoms are more characteristic of specific types of alopecia. It's helpful for your doctor to fully understand what you're experiencing.
The short answer is yes. Hair dye only affects the hair shaft. It doesn’t reach the hair follicles, which is what we’re most concerned about when talking about alopecia.
However, dyeing your hair can lead to breakage if the hair shaft becomes weakened from frequent treatment (especially damage from changing very dark hair to very light).
Some people with alopecia choose to dye their hair and find that changing hair color can boost their confidence or help make hair loss less noticeable.
If you choose to dye your hair, always do a patch test when using home dye kits—even if you’ve used the product before (sensitivity can change due to alopecia).
For best results, consider having your hair dyed by a professional.
There’s no right or wrong time to decide to shave your head. It’s a personal decision. Some people who lose hair never choose to shave.
Some may decide to shave when the hair loss becomes hard to hide. Others, especially those who have had alopecia before, may shave after just one or two patches appear because they don’t want to watch more hair fall out.
This is a deeply personal decision and everyone’s experience is different. Only you know how you feel.
Deciding when to tell others about your hair loss is very personal. Some people talk about it early in their alopecia journey, while others wait. Some may choose never to tell anyone.
Something to consider is that being open with others about your alopecia can help reduce fear or anxiety about being "found out." Keeping it secret can be an additional burden. When and whom to tell might depend on your relationship with the person—close family or friends might be told earlier than colleagues or potential romantic partners.
Passports and driver’s licenses are valid for many years, and it’s normal for your appearance to change in that time. Naturally, alopecia can change how we look more noticeably than other factors. However, you do not need to get a new passport or driver’s license until the current one expires.
You can still travel with your current passport even if you no longer look like the photo. Border agents look at features like your eyes, nose, and mouth. If questioned, you can simply explain that you have alopecia.
If you’re feeling anxious or nervous about this type of interaction, you might consider applying for a new passport with an updated photo. You can apply for a new one even if your current passport is still valid.
If you don’t normally wear a wig, you shouldn't feel like you have to wear one for a job interview. If you’re used to letting others see you as you are, there's no need to hide your hair loss during the interview.
If you’re worried that the interviewer might misinterpret your hair loss — for example, assuming you're ill or undergoing medical treatment — you might consider briefly mentioning alopecia during the interview (or beforehand). For example:
“I don’t have hair / I have some hair loss because I have alopecia. It doesn’t affect my overall health or my ability to do the job.”
If it would be helpful to speak with others who’ve gone through similar experiences, consider joining our private Facebook group and ask about their interview stories.
Supporting a child going through alopecia can be emotionally challenging for both the child and the parents. While the condition cannot be “cured,” your support can make a huge difference in how your child copes.
Help your child understand that their feelings are normal. If they feel sad, angry, embarrassed, or confused — let them talk about it. Remind them they are loved and valued, no matter how much hair they have.
Children often mirror their parents’ reactions. If you stay calm and positive, it can help your child feel more secure and less focused on their condition. Family acceptance is crucial. If you encounter negativity from other relatives, it’s important to address it and set clear boundaries on how they should talk about your child’s condition.
Explore information about alopecia with your child in an age-appropriate way. Understanding what’s happening can reduce fear and confusion. There are books, videos, and websites tailored for children and families.
If your child attends school, it’s a good idea to inform teachers or staff about the situation. This can help prevent bullying and foster a supportive environment. School-specific info materials can help guide these conversations.
Whether it's a wig, a hat, or going without anything — let your child choose how they want to present themselves. Giving them control can make them feel empowered.
Meeting other families and children with similar experiences can be very helpful. Consider joining support groups, attending events, or exploring online communities where your child can meet others with alopecia.
If someone has one autoimmune condition, there is a higher chance they may develop another. About 25% of people have more than one autoimmune disease. Also, people with autoimmune conditions often have close family members with similar diseases. Other autoimmune conditions include:
When hair grows back, it may appear white due to the absence of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. When regrowth begins, melanocytes may not function properly, leading to white or colorless hair.
It’s believed that although melanocytes are still present in the hair follicle, the cells forming the hair may initially be unable to absorb pigment from them.
Over time, pigmentation may return, but in some people, the hair remains white. Unfortunately, it’s still unclear why hair color returns for some but not others.
The exact cause is unknown. Scientists believe there may be multiple potential causes or triggers — which can vary from person to person. These triggers can be internal, external, or a combination of both.
Stress is often mentioned as a possible factor, but many people cannot link their hair loss to a specific stressful event or period.
It’s completely understandable to worry whether your child might also develop the condition. Alopecia is complex, and it’s not possible to predict with certainty whether a child will inherit it.
However, scientists believe that both genetic and environmental factors — not just heredity alone — are needed to trigger the condition.
The majority of parents do not pass alopecia on to their children.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict whether someone will be among the 80% whose hair regrows, or the 20% whose hair loss continues — either in repeated patches or more widespread/full loss.
It’s completely normal to feel sadness, anger, fear, or insecurity. Allow yourself to feel — you're not weak for experiencing pain or distress.
The more you understand alopecia, the less scary it seems. Knowledge gives you a sense of control. It also helps you explain your situation to others, if you choose to.
Talk to trusted family or friends.
Join support groups — there are many people in Facebook communities who understand how you feel.
Therapists or psychologists specializing in chronic illnesses, appearance changes, identity, or grief can also be helpful.
Keeping a journal can help process emotions and reduce anxiety. It’s a way to express what’s inside if you don’t feel like talking — or don’t have someone to talk to.
It may seem impossible to feel in control when your body is changing without your permission. You might ask:
You may not be able to control the disease, but you can choose to:
Remind yourself that your value does not depend on your hair. You are much more than what you see in the mirror.
Include things in your routine that bring you joy — a walk, music, art, animals, or a chat with a friend. These small pleasures build emotional resilience.
Adjusting to a new appearance can be very challenging. Depending on the extent of hair loss, this might involve covering affected areas or choosing to show them — and focusing more on handling reactions from family, friends, and strangers.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to handle awkward or difficult situations. Everyone finds their own way. The most important thing is to find what makes you feel comfortable — that might take some practice. And we all fumble sometimes — don’t beat yourself up if something doesn't go perfectly.
These responses are quite direct, but entirely acceptable. If the question was blunt, the answer can be too.
Alopecia can present unique challenges in the workplace. Whether you're an employee living with the condition, or a colleague/employer trying to be supportive, it’s important to navigate this sensitive issue thoughtfully.
Visible hair loss can impact self-confidence, anxiety, or stress — especially in professional environments where appearance may affect perceptions of professionalism. With the right approach and support, these challenges can be managed and people with alopecia can feel accepted and empowered in their workplaces.
Decide whether and how you want to talk about your condition with colleagues. You’re not obligated to disclose personal health information, but being open about alopecia can reduce misunderstandings and promote a supportive environment. Consider speaking with HR or a trusted manager to ensure you can access any needed accommodations.
Alopecia can affect your self-image, especially when it comes to professional appearance. Find what makes you feel good — a wig, a scarf, or embracing your natural look. Confidence often comes from authenticity. If you’re unsure about dress code policies or headwear, speak with HR — most employers are open to reasonable adjustments.
Prioritize routines that help you manage stress, as it can sometimes trigger alopecia. Whether that’s mindfulness, exercise, or creative hobbies — taking care of your overall well-being helps you feel more grounded and confident.
Take initiative to learn about alopecia so you can communicate with empathy and understanding. Knowing that alopecia is a medical condition (not a personal choice) helps avoid insensitive comments or assumptions.
If a colleague doesn’t want to talk about their condition, respect that. Avoid intrusive questions or making them feel singled out.
Ensure your company policies and culture support diverse appearances. This might mean updating dress codes or fostering an inclusive atmosphere to prevent discrimination.
If an employee shares their diagnosis, ask how you can support them. This might include flexibility around appearance or simply being an empathetic colleague. Even saying “If you ever want to talk, I’m here” can mean a lot. Make sure they’re aware of available support — like counseling services or self-help tools.