Condition · Autoimmune

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy hair loss — often in smooth, round, coin-sized bald spots. It's different from pattern hair loss and can affect anyone, at any age.

The causes

What causes alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata happens when the immune system targets healthy follicles. The exact trigger isn't fully understood, but genetics, other autoimmune conditions and periods of significant stress are thought to play a role.

Unlike male or female pattern loss, the follicles usually aren't destroyed, which is why hair can regrow. The condition can be unpredictable, though — it may resolve, recur, or in some cases progress more widely.

Know the signs

Signs to look for

Sudden round or oval bald patches, often coin-sized
Smooth skin where the hair has fallen out
Patches that may regrow and sometimes recur
Occasionally affecting the beard, eyebrows or body hair
Your options

What you can do

1
See a doctor or dermatologist. Alopecia areata is a medical condition, not pattern baldness — a professional diagnosis is important, and effective treatments exist.
2
Explore medical treatment. Options such as topical or injected steroids and immunotherapy can help; a dermatologist will advise what suits your case.
3
Understand transplants aren't the answer here. A hair transplant is not appropriate for active alopecia areata, because the immune system would affect transplanted hair too.
This is general information, not medical advice.

For a diagnosis and treatment tailored to you, speak to a GP or dermatologist. A free Hair Score is a useful starting point to understand where you stand.

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FAQs

Alopecia Areata — common questions

Is alopecia areata permanent?
Often not — because the follicles usually survive, hair can regrow, sometimes on its own. However, it can be unpredictable and may recur, so medical guidance helps.
What causes alopecia areata?
It's an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles. Genetics, other autoimmune conditions and stress are believed to contribute, though the exact trigger isn't fully understood.
Can a hair transplant treat alopecia areata?
No — a transplant isn't suitable for active alopecia areata, because the autoimmune process would affect transplanted follicles too. Medical treatment from a dermatologist is the right route.
How is alopecia areata treated?
Depending on severity, a dermatologist may use topical or injected steroids, immunotherapy or other options. Because it's a medical condition, professional care is important.

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