Jada Pinkett Smith Has Alopecia, So What Is It?

Alopecia has been a trending topic in the news and on social media these last few weeks. From your peers to your favorite celebrities, alopecia is an incredibly common condition. We saw at the Oscars just how sensitive a topic alopecia can be for those who suffer from its effects. So, in order to break the stigma, we must first understand what exactly it is. Alopecia is something I see every single day as I help clients at Transitions Hair Solutions. Simply put, alopecia means hair loss, and it is a common ailment which can materialize in different ways. Let’s break down the different types of alopecia and some of the solutions. 

Androgenetic alopecia is a form of hereditary hair loss, which affects both men and women. That’s right — anyone can have androgenetic alopecia and it’s passed down through your genes. 

Areata alopecia, also commonly called “patchy alopecia”, because it causes patchy bald spots either on the head or other parts of the body. This form of alopecia is said to be an autoimmune condition that occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly attacks their hair follicles, according to the National Institute of Health. 

Alopecia totalis is an advanced form of alopecia areata referring to complete hair loss on the scalp. Whereas, alopecia universalis causes hair loss over the entire head, face and body. Alopecia universals is the most advanced form of alopecia areata.

This is also known as scarring alopecia. Cicatricial alopecia encompasses a group of hair loss disorders in which people experience more permanent hair loss because the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scarring. Not to get too clinical, but a a couple examples of cicatricial alopecia are frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris.

This kind of alopecia is causes by our own hair habits. Repeated tension on the scalp can cause traction alopecia. Tight updos and brushing your hair into the same style over and over again can create a strain on the scalp ripping the follicles. Usually, traction alopecia appears at the hairline or back of the head where one might fasten a hair tie again and again.

As an industry expert with more than 25 years experience focusing on hair loss, I have helped my clients by providing treatment options such as the CNC from Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories which has dramatically changed their lives. 

The CNC is a hair and scalp prosthetic produced in Italy. They essentially produce a 3D replica of the client’s head, then create a new scalp where they insert human hair by hand. My clients love this natural looking option because they can wear the prosthetic for weeks at a time without disrupting their daily lives or any activities they find enjoyment in such as swimming.

If you’re in the earlier stages of hair loss or scalp issues, I recommend trichological treatments. Trichological treatments keep the scalp healthy and in some cases help to retain existing hair by providing the best possible environment for hair growth.

If you’re not ready to commit to permanent hair and scalp prosthetic, look into temporary options such as wearing wigs or hair pieces. If you’re only experiencing smaller areas of hair loss, try cosmetic camouflaging products such as hair fiber that thicken the appearance of hair.

While there is no cure, there are several solutions for people with alopecia. Try experimenting with different options to see what works for you. For guidance, you can always reach me with questions at TransitionsHairSolutions.com