Alopecia is a general medical term for hair loss, from partial to complete loss of hair across the body. Signs include hair thinning, a receding hairline, and sudden hair loss in patches. All hair loss, no matter how extreme, takes an emotional toll, especially when it alters your appearance, often diminishing self-esteem and body image satisfaction. The first step in combating alopecia is understanding and accepting the condition. Then, you can start to consider the solutions. Here, we talk you through the condition in all its forms, its causes, and possible solutions.

The Different Types of Alopecia

There are many types of alopecia, citing a wide range of causes from genetics to disease, events, or lifestyle choices. Here’s a summary of each:

• Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common type of alopecia and is a genetically determined condition affecting both men and women. Also known as pattern baldness, it is characterized by patterned, progressive hair loss from the scalp. Male pattern baldness follows two predictable patterns: the horseshoe, with hair above your ears that circles around the lower back of your head, or the receding hairline. Women usually experience more diffuse thinning on the crown area. Although this condition physically affects men and women differently, it can equally harm their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

• Alopecia Areata: Also known as spot baldness, this is a type of autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss in small, round patches, though the hair loss can be more extensive in some cases. This type of alopecia typically attacks the head and face.
  

• Alopecia Totalis: This type of alopecia is characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp.
  

• Alopecia Universalis: This is the rarest type of alopecia, characterized by complete hair loss all over the body.
  

• Cicatricial Alopecia: This rare disease destroys your hair follicles and forms scar tissue in its place. It can be caused by inflammation of the hair follicles or other factors, like burns and infections.

• Traction Alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused directly by how you treat your hair. Common causes include harsh chemical treatments, like hair coloring, bleach, and other hair styling products, or increased tension and breakage from tight braids or tight ponytails.

Read more about what you can do to avoid and prevent hair loss.

Am I born with alopecia?

Anyone can get alopecia, regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. In some cases, if you have a close family member with the disease, you have a higher chance of getting it. That said, many people who get it don’t have any family history. Other factors that trigger hair loss include emotional stress, infections, illnesses, drugs, or medication. 

What can I do about it?

While there isn’t a cure for alopecia, many resources are available to help people cope with hair loss, and it’s important to be informed about every option. Your doctor will suggest the best treatment for you depending on your condition and the extent of your hair loss. Options span from the more extreme surgical hair restoration treatments to natural-looking hair systems. Not everyone is cut out for surgery, and its cost might be prohibitive. Minoxidil is a more accessible option often prescribed to androgenetic alopecia patients as a topical cream or pill. However, its effectiveness varies, and it can take up to 8 months for results to show. 

Hair extensions and wigs are the best non-surgical choice for those who want a fast solution to restore their natural look and boost their self-esteem. Hair systems are one of the cheapest, most immediate, and most straightforward solutions. 

Hair Systems: The Solution to Alopecia

Anyone wearing a wig will tell you there’s no better tool than a hair replacement system for developing an identity you feel comfortable with and restoring your self-confidence. Hairpieces can only positively impact your daily life. Sure, it takes some getting used to at first, but once you’ve got the knack for it, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep (though we don’t encourage it!). 

At work, on the football pitch, in the pool, on the beach… There are no limits to a confidence-boosting hair system, and you can expect an all-around improvement in your performance; you’d be surprised what a bit of self-esteem can do! Still need convincing? Here are some more reasons why using a hair replacement system will be the best decision you’ll make in 2023:

• Hair systems are non-surgical. Unlike hair transplants, they don’t require risky and painful surgical procedures.
  

• Hairpieces are not permanent. While acquiring a hair system will be life-changing, it is not a life-long commitment. Though we doubt you’ll look back once you start to wear a wig, a hairpiece gives you the flexibility to change your mind, or look, at any time.
  

• Wigs are an (almost) instant fix! We say almost because the only delay is between placing your order and arriving on your doorstep! You can have your pre-made stock hair system within only seven days of ordering or wait up to seven weeks for a Custom Wig.
  

• Hair replacement systems are accessible. There is something out there for every budget, and even the highest quality custom hair system won’t leave a dent in your bank balance - at least when you buy through a direct distributor like Advent Hair.
  
  

• Custom hair systems give you complete control over your look. The beauty of a custom wig is the ability to personalize it to perfection for a natural and undetectable hairpiece. You can choose from numerous hairstyles, hair types, color tones, textures, highlights, gray percentage, density, base and hairline material, and more.
  
  

• Hair systems are long-lasting. With the right wig care and maintenance, hairpieces can last years and require minimal adjustments to your daily routine.
  

• A hair loss solution from the comfort of your home. We understand that walking into a wig shop can feel humiliating and off-putting. That’s why we offer you the possibility to do everything from the comfort and privacy of your home. From getting expert advice to ordering and even fixing and styling your hairpiece into place, you’ll barely need to lift a finger!

You can trust Advent Hair. With over 20 years of personal experience, extensive industry knowledge, high-quality products, comprehensive 24/7 customer care service, and reduced costs, you’re in safe hands. It’s time to beat alopecia.

We look forward to chatting with you and helping you become the best, most confident, and most gorgeous version of yourself!