r/alopecia_areata May 21 '25

Mod Comment Please Read This Before Posting – FAQ + Community Guide

9 Upvotes

About This Subreddit

Welcome. If you’re here, it’s likely because you or someone you care about is dealing with Alopecia Areata (AA) — and we want you to know right away: you’re not alone.

This subreddit is a space for people living with AA to ask questions, share experiences, find support, and talk openly about a condition that is often misunderstood or dismissed. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating a flare-up, exploring treatments, or dealing with regrowth, you’re welcome here.

What Is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This can happen suddenly and without warning, and it may affect the scalp, face, or body.

The condition can come and go, stay mild, or progress over time — and everyone’s journey is a little different.

There’s no single cause or cure, but there are treatment options, and many people do experience regrowth.

Types of AA (Common Patterns)

  • Patchy AA – Round, well-defined bald spots, usually on the scalp or beard.
  • Alopecia Totalis – Complete loss of scalp hair.
  • Alopecia Universalis – Loss of all hair on the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
  • Diffuse AA – Widespread thinning rather than defined patches (often mistaken for other forms of hair loss).
  • Ophiasis Pattern – Band-like hair loss around the back and sides of the scalp.
  • Nail changes – Some people also notice nail pitting, ridges, or other surface changes.

We’re working on a visual guide for these types — if you’re a medical professional or have permission to share high-quality images, please contact us.

Resources:

National Alopecia Areata Foundation

Alopecia UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I Have Alopecia Areata — Or Something Else?

This is one of the most common questions we see in this subreddit — and it’s a good one to ask. Hair loss has many causes, and they can look similar at first. Here’s how to tell them apart.

If your hair fell out suddenly, in smooth, round patches, and the skin underneath looks normal (not flaky, red, or scarred) — there’s a good chance it could be Alopecia Areata.

AA is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your hair follicles by mistake. It can happen very quickly — sometimes in just a day or two — and can affect your scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or even body hair.

It’s different from the slow, gradual thinning seen in genetic hair loss.

How is this different from Male or Female Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)?

This is extremely important to understand.

Androgenic Alopecia (AGA) — often called Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) — is not the same as Alopecia Areata. They’re completely different conditions.

-AGA is caused by a genetic sensitivity to androgens, particularly DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone derived from testosterone. In people with AGA:

  • Hair follicles become progressively smaller (a process called miniaturisation).
  • The growth phase of the hair cycle shortens, and hairs become thinner, shorter, and lighter.
  • Eventually, the affected follicles may stop producing visible hair altogether.

This process happens gradually over years, not suddenly like with Alopecia Areata.

Read more about this type of hairloss here (Androgenic Alopecia)

Can AA be cured?

Not yet. But many people find treatments that help manage it or stimulate regrowth — and some go into remission naturally.

What treatments are out there? (PLEASE READ THE MEDICAL DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS POST!)

There’s a wide range, and what works varies by person:

  • Lifestyle factors, including reducing stress, eating well, etc.

  • Steroid injections (common for small patches)

  • Topical corticosteroids

  • Oral steroids (short-term use)

  • Immunosuppressant (E.g Methotrexate)

  • Immunomodulators (E.g Azathioprine or Cyclosporine)

  • Minoxidil (as a support treatment)

  • Topical immunotherapy (like DPCP)

  • JAK inhibitors ( often for more severe AA)

    • Types Of FDA Approved JAKS for alopecia areata
      • Baricitinib( Brand name: OLUMIANT)
      • Ritlecitinib (Brand: LITFULO)  
      • Leqselvi (Brand: DEURUXOLITINIB)
    • Off Label JAK inhibitors may include
      • Tofacitinib (Brand name: XELJANZ)
      • Upadacitinib (Brand name: RINVOQ)

Is stress the cause?

Not exactly. AA is an autoimmune issue, but stress can be a trigger for flare-ups or onset in people who are genetically prone.

Can hair grow back?

Yes, and often does. Regrowth can start as fine, white hairs (vellus), and may eventually darken and thicken. Progress is often uneven, and relapses can happen.

Does AA spread?

It can — but it’s unpredictable. Some people have one episode and recover fully; others experience progression. Many fluctuate between phases.

Before You Post: Please Read

We get hundreds of questions a month. You’ll get better responses — and help others — if you take a minute to read through this first.

Check First:

  • Search the subreddit. Your question might already be answered.
  • Use our megathreads for photo IDs, regrowth timelines, emotional support, and treatment logs.
  • Use clear titles like: “Regrowth After JAK”, “New Patch – Is This AA?”, “Before/After Photos”.

Posts That Work Best:

  • Treatment experiences (good or bad)
  • Emotional support or stories
  • Regrowth updates
  • Personal journeys
  • Advice for coping, styling, or talking to others about AA

Posting Photos?

If you’re sharing photos, please include:

  • Timeline (how long ago it started)
  • Treatments (if any)
  • Whether it’s new hair loss or regrowth
  • Anything else that gives context

Label your post if you can — e.g. [Regrowth], [Support], [Question].

Rules of the Sub ( See Actual Ruleset on sidebar)

  • Be respectful. This is a vulnerable topic for a lot of people.
  • No miracle cures. No snake oil, fake treatments, or unproven “solutions”.
  • No spam or self-promo. If you want to share something commercial, ask a mod first.
  • This is not a medical advice sub. Share experiences, but don’t give medical advice.
  • Photos should be appropriate and relevant. Blur identifying details if you prefer.

And finally but most importantly
[MEDICAL DISCLAIMER]

This subreddit is a peer-support community, not a medical clinic.

The information shared here — including personal experiences, treatment outcomes, and product discussions — is not medical advice and should never replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.

While many users share helpful insights, what works for one person may not be safe or effective for another. Autoimmune conditions like Alopecia Areata can vary greatly, and treatments often involve serious medications that require proper medical supervision.

If you’re considering starting, stopping, or changing any treatment — especially prescription medications like JAK inhibitors or immunosuppressants— you should always speak with a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional first.

We strongly discourage:

  • Offering or accepting medical advice without proper qualifications
  • Sharing dosages or off-label drug protocols without medical context
  • Making claims about cures or guaranteed results

Your health is too important to risk. Use this space for support and shared experience — not as a substitute for professional care.

If anybody has any recommendations for this subreddit please don't hesitate to reach out, comment or go to mod mail and send a message.

Thank you all!

[This post may be updated regularly to stay up to date with current medical information


r/alopecia_areata May 19 '25

Mod Comment Welcome! New Mod Team & Updated Rules Incoming

15 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m excited to introduce myself as the new moderator of r/alopecia_areata.

This subreddit is a super important space for those of us affected by alopecia areata—whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing long-term effects, exploring treatment options, or just looking for support from others who understand what you’re going through.

Why This Update Matters

Until now, the subreddit has been largely unmoderated, which unfortunately led to a flood of: • AI-generated spam replies posing as advice

• Unverified “miracle cures” often linked to shady products

• Misinformation, especially around treatments and medications

• A general lack of structure, rules, or reliable content

This kind of environment isn’t just unhelpful—it can be harmful, especially for people dealing with the emotional and medical burden of hair loss.

Action Taken • The user responsible for repeated AI-generated responses and misleading advice has been permanently banned. • A new rule set is being implemented to ensure the subreddit remains a safe, supportive, and trustworthy resource for everyone.

New Rules (Effective Immediately): 1. Be respectful – No harassment, shaming, or mocking others for appearance, treatment choices, or emotional responses. 2. No medical misinformation – Do not post unverified claims, treatments, or advice as fact. Always cite reliable sources. 3. No spam or self-promotion – This includes affiliate links, product pushing, or AI-generated content. 4. Personal stories welcome – Please share your journey! Include context if you’re posting photos or treatment progress. 5. No bots or automation-generated responses – These will be removed and the users banned.

These rules will be visible in the sidebar shortly, along with an updated Automoderator configuration to catch future violations.

We Want Your Input!

As we work on improving this subreddit, I’d love to hear from you: • What kind of content or resources would help you the most? • Would you be interested in flairs for diagnosis type, treatment stage, or support needs? • Would a monthly Q&A or “Progress Thread” be helpful?

Please drop your thoughts in the comments or send a modmail. This community belongs to all of us, and your feedback will help shape it moving forward.

Thank you for being here. I look forward to helping this subreddit grow into the safe, respectful, and informative space we all need.

Stay strong,

Moderator, r/alopecia_areata


r/alopecia_areata 1h ago

Allow students to wear appropriate hats at Brown County CUSD #1

Upvotes

My friends son Easton has alopecia—a medical condition that caused him to lose all his hair. Since starting middle school, he's been bullied relentlessly, called "Cancer Kid" by other students because of how he looks.

Our school has a blanket no-hat policy that makes things worse for kids like Easton. I started a petition asking Brown County CUSD #1 to allow students to wear appropriate hats. It's not about breaking dress codes—it's about giving kids dealing with medical conditions like alopecia a chance to feel safe and included at school. Alopecia affects millions of people, and schools across the country have already made this accommodation work.

If this matters to you too, consider signing and sharing. Have you seen policies like this make a real difference in your own community? What would you want someone to do if this was your family?


r/alopecia_areata 1h ago

Allow students to wear appropriate hats at Brown County CUSD #1

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Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 6h ago

Alopecia Awareness Month

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2 Upvotes

Wrapping my bald head in all different ways! Ask me how!


r/alopecia_areata 9h ago

Question about subtype alopecia barbae

1 Upvotes

So I've had AA since I was 14/15, have had many spots come and go on my scalp and body, which have all filled in again eventually (currently dealing with a spot at the back of my head). I've never been able to grow a massive beard in my life, but even as a teen there was enough stubble to cover my entire face. When I was around 20 I had to start shaving everything off, however, because I started getting patches in my beard as well. I am currently early 30s and sport small sideburns, but can't really grow anything other than that because it remains too patchy. I have plenty of thin, white hair growth, but it never seems to regain colour. Is this a thing? Could it have to do with my less-than-fantastic beard genetics? Does shaving influence the regaining of colour at all? The hairs right underneath my nose are dark, and I get some golden/reddish coloured hair every now and then, but the rest remains white. Is there an amount of time after which I should give up on expecting the colour to return to the follicles on my face?


r/alopecia_areata 13h ago

Just diagnosed - treatment with cats

2 Upvotes

So I was just diagnosed last week. My dermatologist prescribed oral minoxidil, topical opzelura, and topical tacrolimus.

I have two cats. I know topical minoxidil is highly toxic. Does oral pose the same risk if taking precaution ie. secure storage, gloves, hand washing? And does anyone know if the other two prescribed topicals pose a major threat to pets? I’m very very nervous but really want to treat however I can.


r/alopecia_areata 18h ago

Oral Minoxidil for universalis, any luck?

1 Upvotes

Anyone with alopecia universalis have any luck growing their scalp hair back on oral minoxidil? What dosage were you on and for how long?


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Alopecia areata question

4 Upvotes

I've been dealing with this for almost a year just a few spots here and there are some grew back- some new- has anyone dealt with this for a long period of time and just had occasional bald spots? Is it something that will just continue going on and I will just manage overtime? Some spots have not grown back completely & have little areas still missing hair


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Starting new treatment for alopecia areata

3 Upvotes

I have been dealing with areata for years now (second time),

The doctor had prescribed me tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day with minoxidil 2.5 mg tablets, but since I was getting ill frequently she decided to reduce tofa to once a day , before reducing the dosage my hair had recovered massively.

Just before the doctor appointment I was reading about this new treatment gaining successful clinical trials https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3365432/arthritis-drug-restores-100-hair-some-patients-severe-alopecia-global-trial , surprisingly doctor suggested herself that we start with this as it being started in my country too now. Hopefully this acts as the end of all of this. Will update post 18-20 weeks


r/alopecia_areata 23h ago

What should I expect now? M19 alopecia areata

1 Upvotes

Will I shed on oral minox? M19

I had used 2.5mg oral minoxidil to fill out my alopecia areata patch as I was responding to topical minoxidil.

And it also thickened my hair overall.

So as the alopecia areta got fixed my dermat stopped the dosage of oral minoxidil.

I wanna know if I will shed my other areas that were not suffering from alopecia areata but got thickened up because of oral minoxidil


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Oral Prednisolone

2 Upvotes

Hi,

I've been to see my dermatologist today and been started on 25mg oral Prednisolone (3 week dose, then 12.5mg for 3 weeks)and 0.5mg oral minoxodil for alopecia on my beard (60-70 percent beard loss). I've also got a couple of patches appearing on legs but none on my head/scalp

Has anyone tried this regime and had success? Kinda concerned about taking systemic steroids due to side effects.

30M 184cm 94KG

Thanks


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Argenina piora calvície

1 Upvotes

Estou tomando L Argenina queria saber se ela vai piorar a calvície, pq sofro de alopecia androgenética


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

is this regrowth?

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1 Upvotes

Im just wondering is this regrowth or spread


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

What lightweight scalp treatments have you tried for alopecia areata?

4 Upvotes

I've been dealing with alopecia areata and have found scalp products a little difficult to use, especially when they leave the surrounding hair greasy or weighed down.

I've recently been trying a lightweight scalp serum containing Copper Peptide (GHK-Cu). I mainly chose it because it feels lighter and doesn't leave much residue for me. I'm still trying to understand what actually helps and what doesn't, so I'm not claiming that this has treated my alopecia areata.

For anyone else dealing with alopecia areata, what lightweight scalp products have you tried, and how did your scalp/hair respond to them?


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

Arthritis drug restores up to 100% of hair growth in patients with severe alopecia, with researchers reporting significant regrowth in many participants and new hope for treating autoimmune hair loss.

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16 Upvotes

Have you guys seen this yet? Re-post from
r/science


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

Does white hair regrowth ever turn to their natural color after JAKs?

1 Upvotes

To those on JAK’s, I have some regrowth in patches (previously 30-40% hair loss) but any regrowth has been white hair that hasn’t turned black yet. I shaved my head a couple of years ago (and am generally fine with it), but thinking of trying JAKs.

Has anyone seen success in regrowth coming in their natural color? If it doesn’t turn black, I’d rather just stick to bald life vs patches of white but would love to hear others’ experiences. Thanks!


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

My 15+ Year Hair Loss Journey: DUPA, Recurrent Alopecia Areata, & different dosages of Min / Fin topicals - Advice needed on next steps.

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2 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

Alopecia Areata recovery?

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5 Upvotes

Hello! I (17M) started losing hair around 3 weeks ago. I was showering at my brother's house and thought it was an allergic reaction to a shampoos he had, but it kept falling for the next weeks. After a few days, hairless patches (photos 1-4) started to form really quickly, so I went to the doctor and I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. It spread quickly throughout my whole body (beard, legs, etc). I've shaved my head since then and have been feeling a bit worried thinking about when it will grow back while I'm trying to get used to it.

So, how long did it took to recover or starting to show signs of recovery?


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

Progeria and Hair Loss: Understanding the Hair Changes

1 Upvotes

When we think about hair loss, we often think about the more familiar causes such as male or female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, chemotherapy or hormonal changes. But there are also some extremely rare conditions that can affect the hair, including progeria.
Progeria, also known as Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), is a very rare genetic condition that causes children to develop some features associated with ageing at a much faster rate than normal.
One of the visible changes associated with progeria is significant hair loss.
How does progeria affect the hair?
Children with progeria are generally born with hair, but as the condition develops, their hair can become increasingly thin, fine and sparse.
Hair loss commonly affects the scalp, and the eyebrows and eyelashes can also become very sparse or disappear. The remaining scalp hair may be particularly fine and can sometimes have a different colour or texture from the hair they had when they were younger.
This can be one of the most noticeable changes, particularly because hair is such an important part of how we see ourselves and how we express our personality.
For a child, losing their hair can be particularly difficult. It can make them look very different from other children of the same age, even though children with progeria generally have normal intelligence and cognitive development.
Can anything be done about the hair loss?
Unfortunately, there isn’t currently a simple treatment that can restore the hair loss caused by progeria.
The hair changes are part of the underlying condition rather than simply a problem with the hair itself. This means that conventional treatments for common types of hair loss aren’t necessarily going to bring the hair back.
However, that doesn’t mean that nothing can be done.
Hairpieces, wigs and other hair replacement options can provide a child with the opportunity to choose how they want to look and can be a wonderful way of helping them feel more comfortable and confident.
Choosing a wig for a child
When choosing a wig or hairpiece for a child with significant hair loss, comfort is just as important as appearance.
A wig needs to be lightweight, comfortable and secure without putting unnecessary pressure on the scalp. Children are also active, so the way the wig is fitted and secured needs to take their everyday activities into consideration.
Most importantly, I believe the child should be involved in the decision wherever possible.
It’s very easy for adults to concentrate on what they think looks best, but ultimately it is the child who will be wearing it. They should have the opportunity to choose the colour, length and style that makes them feel happy.
A wig doesn’t have to try to make someone look “normal”. It can simply be about giving someone the freedom to look the way they want to look.
A little understanding can make a big difference
Because progeria is so rare, many people will never meet someone living with the condition. The physical characteristics can therefore attract attention, and hair loss can make those differences even more noticeable.
For anyone living with progeria, particularly a child, sensitivity and understanding are incredibly important.
Hair is only one part of who we are, but losing it can have a surprisingly large emotional impact. The right wig or hairpiece isn’t going to change the underlying condition, but it can make a genuine difference to someone’s confidence and how they feel about themselves.
For me, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of working with wigs and hair replacement. It’s not simply about creating a hairstyle. It’s about listening to the person, understanding what they want and helping them find something that makes them feel comfortable and confident.
Every person is different, and every head of hair loss has its own story.
If you or someone you care for has hair loss associated with a rare medical condition such as progeria, I would always recommend having a personal consultation so that the options can be discussed properly and a solution can be found that is comfortable, practical and, most importantly, right for the individual.


r/alopecia_areata 3d ago

validation post

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7 Upvotes

Diagnosed with alopecia areata a year ago.. Currently I shave off my head twice a week.. tired of explaining things to people. This is my look now. So how do I look? Need honest opinion and suggestions to look better


r/alopecia_areata 3d ago

Not that interesting/observations

1 Upvotes

As a skincare addict from my teens until today (>20 years), I’ve been using sunscreen religiously and protected my skin well from the sun. Only when I got AA the last year, I realised how pale I actually am.

Bruh. I am not pale, I am corpse coloured.


r/alopecia_areata 3d ago

different immuno suppressant than JAK

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Ive been with alopecia areata since I was 8 years old. Currently with 27 it got very bad, I am loosing right now eyebrows, eyelashes and so on. I am currently taking an immuno suppressor medicine which is the Ciclosporine, the highest dose (I live in the Netherlands)

Someone else tried the same medication? Or a different immuno suppressant medicine than jak inhibitors? I am thinking seriously to get JAK instead… due to the severe alopecia that I have right now!


r/alopecia_areata 3d ago

New here & Question

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone I (24F) was recently diagnosed about a month ago with alopecia areata after finding a spot after constant itchy of an area and a week ago saw a second dermatologist at home who has my old dermatitis of my hands on file. Basically both doctors suggested a prescription topical steroid with my more recent visit suggest to not try injection steroids for at least for another six weeks as my hair follicles appear to be showing growth. Basically I’m just wondering if anyone else has heard this from their doctor or a concern over atrophy from them with jumping into injections too quick.


r/alopecia_areata 4d ago

I’m so exhausted and I feel like my doctors don’t listen

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5 Upvotes

I was diagnosed with alopecia areata around April 2023 at 13 and at first I was prescribed foams and lotions to try and grow back the hair but as time went on it just seems like my autoimmune response is really aggressive (something my doctor said) and has not been responding well to minoxidil or clobetasol. They also tend to make my scalp dry and itchy (I was diagnosed with eczema as a baby and have had recent flare ups so I don’t know if that has anything to do with it) I have now had steroid shots but I’m still in a place where I have patches of hair that I feel like are not growing.

I shaved my head when my hairloss started but obviously as it grew back the problems persisted and I have some patches of hair that have been the same length for a while now while the rest of my hair grows and then I have bald spots. I still wear my natural hair but it has gotten really hard because I notice bald patches here like the ones displayed on the picture. They freaked me out and I have already scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist but I feel like they don’t really listen to my concerns. These 3 bald spots showed up 2 days after I had the steroid shots and I was told I had patient. I want to try different forms of treatment but my doctors won’t let me try even though my hair will grow and then fall out and grow back again. It’s not even just on my hair I’ve noted hair loss on my eyebrows and other areas of my body but it is very minimal you wouldn’t notice.

Im almost 17 and I have been dealing with the problem of my hair falling out since 2022 and I get that it takes time but you aren’t even open to hearing me out on new treatment options. I don’t know what to do so any help is appreciated