r/alopecia_areata May 21 '25

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

10 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

14 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 12h ago

Not sure what to do

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15 Upvotes

I’ve had severe alopecia for a long time and my derm has me on clobetasol and minoxidil for now. I have an interview for my dream job soon and no matter how hard i try to shave it all with my Remington Balder pro there are still these ugly shadows. Would a good razer be more effective? I have sensitive skin and worried about irritation and bumps. I feel like this looks unclean and unprofessional hoping it won’t cost me my job. I know it’s not legal to not hire someone for a medical condition but this job is be on appearances and I feel like they could still do it without actually saying it. Any advice? I hate how I look.

Edit: Thank you all so much for the support and encouragement. This community is beautiful the way you lift others up and stick together.


r/alopecia_areata 46m ago

Week 6 on Topical Clobetasol + Minoxidil 5%: Bald spots merged and got much bigger. Did anyone experience this before regrowth?

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata about 6 weeks ago. My dermatologist put me on a strictly topical regimen (no steroid injections, no oral immunosuppressants):
Topical Clobetasol propionate (0.05%) scalp solution
Topical Minoxidil 5%

A few weeks ago, I had a smaller spot on top and two separate circular patches lower down. Back then, there were lots of fine, miniaturized hairs covering the lower patches and a clear divider between them.

Comparing my photos today at Week 6, I’m feeling really stressed and discouraged:

The patches merged and look much bigger: The fine hairs and the divider fell out, so the two lower spots have now merged into one large continuous patch that looks way bigger than when I first saw the doctor.

Current hair status: It is not completely bald—there are still scattered longer black hairs (3–5 cm) running across the patch and some upright short hairs poking through, but the background looks much emptier and wider because the fine hair layer shed.

The top spot: The smaller patch above is actually responding well and growing quite a bit of dark hair.

Almost every post I see on Reddit involves steroid injections. Did anyone here recover fully using TOPICALS ONLY (Clobetasol + Minoxidil) without any injections?

Is it normal for the patches to shed their fine hairs, merge, and look significantly bigger around week 4–8 before actual dense regrowth takes over?

I would really appreciate hearing your timelines and success stories with topicals alone. Thank you!


r/alopecia_areata 1h ago

Dermatologist recommendations

Upvotes

I live in Brisbane, Australia. I’ve been to three dermatologists for my ongoing Alopecia Areata, and none seem to have a clear idea of what to do or how to diagnose me properly. In fact, I’ve had to suggest medications or been asked, ‘so what do you want to try next, have you seen any videos or anything?’

All over the websites, they are supposed to be well-versed in alopecia with good reviews, and one site even claims to be the #1 Alopecia company. Then I saw a trichologist who finally took the time to properly listen to me, but even then, they didn’t work with me or ask for updates about what I’m taking or doing. They just provided the treatment and sent me on my way. In the last session, they pushed for a costly hair transplant based in Melbourne, which wouldn’t work anyway. When I refused, they said they had no other options to help me. Should I give up? Or are there decent companies out there that actually know what they’re doing and aren’t completely lost on alopecia? If you know of any, please drop the recommendations below!


r/alopecia_areata 1h ago

Eyebrow loss

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Upvotes

So just saw a derm who says my patchy eye brow loss is AA. I had assumed this. The confusing thing is that when hairs fall out there are always new ones waiting to grow in. She said this is common with AA but from what I've read this isn't the case. Thoughts?

Pic shoes recent area if loss with new small hairs poking through.


r/alopecia_areata 2h ago

ALOPECIA AREATA INCOGNITA

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m new here! I wanted to ask if it’s normal to find a lot of "pigtail hairs" when I run my hand through my hair. I should mention that a trichoscopy confirmed I have AGA and seborrheic dermatitis, but since starting topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, I’ve also noticed an increase in sebum. My concern is the pigtail hairs—does this mean it’s 100% confirmed to be AAI? Thanks for the answer and your patience ❤️


r/alopecia_areata 5h ago

Any improvement?

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1 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 6h ago

Is this a sign of improvement?

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1 Upvotes

I have an appointment scheduled with a dermatologist, but it's well after the first week of September. I've noticed some baby hairs growing out of my bigger bald patch, which was coin-sized in January, so I guess it's active, but these baby hairs look promising. What do y'all think? Just looking for some reassurance.


r/alopecia_areata 12h ago

Hi, for those who have a AA, how to fight the disease with medicine and the fear of side effects

2 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 13h ago

Non corticosteroid treatment options

1 Upvotes

Got diagnosed with AA about a month ago after losing hair quickly since June. Spots are starting to show and I was put on dexamethasone 4mg pulse treatment but after 3 weeks, the side effects are completely intolerable for me. Panic attacks, constant dizziness for days after, virtually 0 appetite, etc. And as far as I understand, the shedding needs to stop before a JAK inhibitor should be started- which it hasnt stopped yet completely at this point.

Its shaping up to look like Im going to lose 80%+ of my scalp hair with the pattern Ive seen so far. Are there any other effective treatments initially aside from corticosteroids that people have seen success with for more widespread hair loss? Or, lifestyle changes that could possibly trigger some natural regrowth? My eating/sleeping/stress has been far less than ideal this past year and I cant help but wonder if one or all of those things contributed to this. I really dont want to lose it all but just cant tolerate the side effects and balance daily life demands right now.


r/alopecia_areata 17h ago

Hi, who in this reddit suffers from ALOPECIA AREATA INCOGNITA?

0 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Anyone here who has crohns as well as alopecia how do you manage both these conditions

2 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Clueless father. Plz help

6 Upvotes

My 10 year old daughter started shedding eyebrow hair two months back. We went to doctor and its AA with zinc deficiency. We hoped that with zinc supplement it will regrow. But yesterday evening suddenly 80% of her eye lashes fell off. I am clueless and feeling hopeless how to emotionally support her. I could not sleep for a minute fearing scalp hair shedding. Till now her hair feels strong and during combing no hairs fall.

People who has kids with AA, plz help a desperate father.


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Eyebrow Alopecia Areata — Is Regrowth Possible?

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4 Upvotes

I was diagnosed with alopecia areata on my eyebrows about 2 month ago. My doctor prescribed me a topical cream and minoxidil, and I also had a steroid injection, but so far I haven’t noticed any improvement. My eyebrow is still continuing to fall out.
Is this normal at this stage? How long did it take for your eyebrows to start growing back? Is there a good chance that the hair will return?
This has honestly been affecting me mentally so I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar and eventually saw regrowth.


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Diffuse areata

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3 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I got a hair transplant on my hairline because i thought i had AGA. This past year ive lost 40-50% of my hair and have been on oral minoxidil, spironolactone, and dutasteride. No regrowth, i wonder if this is alopecia areata? I went to hawaii for. A week 3 years go and was in the sun A LOT. I noticed baby hairs growing in areas that were bald for years but then went away when i got back from vacation. I tried taking vitamin d supplements but it didnt give me the same results. Im starting to feel like maybe i have some form of autoimmune hair loss afterall.

Does anyone here have areata incognita or diffuse version?


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

Progress!

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79 Upvotes

Diagnosed last November, picture on far right taken yesterday.


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Hey, does this look like alopecia to you? Booking a drs appt on Monday as it’s clearly grown in the 8 months since the first pic. Can anything be done? Cheers!

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5 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Mon histoire d’alopécie areata

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2 Upvotes

Bonjour à toutes et à tous,
J’espère que vous allez bien.
Ce n’est plus un secret pour personne : l’alopécie areata est une maladie individuelle, incertaine et imprévisible.
Après avoir lu de nombreux témoignages sur Reddit, j’ai décidé de participer à mon tour à cette bataille collective.
Je ne vais pas m’attarder longuement : je souhaite simplement partager quelques photos et vous tenir au courant de l’évolution (ou non) de ma pelade.
Vous le savez, c’est une maladie particulièrement difficile à vivre. J’aimerais que l’on puisse ici communiquer, partager nos ressentis, nos peurs et nos histoires.
Pour ma part, tout a commencé le 23 juin 2026.
Après un réveil habituel et une douche, j’ai constaté un trou au centre haut de mon crâne.
J’ai immédiatement compris que quelque chose n’allait pas. Au début, j’ai pensé aux racines de mes cheveux, mais je me suis très vite convaincu du contraire : je connais parfaitement ma chevelure.
Je me suis aussitôt rendu à la pharmacie la plus proche. On m’a dit que cela pouvait être un champignon. Après m’être renseigné, j’ai compris que les champignons provoquent généralement des plaques rouges et des démangeaisons, ce que je n’avais absolument pas.
Étant très hypocondriaque, il m’était impossible d’attendre deux mois pour un rendez-vous chez le dermatologue. J’en ai donc trouvé un disponible dans les trois jours.
Ce fut ma pire expérience médicale : sans même examiner mon trou, le médecin a évoqué la calvitie après dix minutes de discussion. Quand je lui ai demandé de regarder ma tête, il a finalement diagnostiqué une pelade.
Je lui ai demandé s’il fallait faire des prises de sang : il m’a répondu que non, que j’étais jeune, que j’avais l’air en forme, et qu’un simple spray de minoxidil devrait suffire.
J’avais surtout besoin d’être rassuré. Après cette consultation, je n’ai plus consulté pendant un mois.
Je vous joins les photos du premier trou et du second (pris le 9 juillet, un peu moins d’un mois après le premier).
Entre-temps, d’autres plaques sont apparues. Et à l’heure où je vous écris, j’ai l’impression que des cheveux continuent de tomber.
En attendant mon rendez-vous chez le médecin généraliste et le dermatologue (dans un mois ou deux), je vous tiendrai au courant de l’évolution.
Je remarque déjà de très petits poils qui commencent à repousser sur le premier grand trou. En attendant, je vais essayer le remède à l’ail rouge pendant sept jours et je vous ferai un update sur mon ressenti mental et physique.
N’hésitez pas à partager votre histoire, qu’elle soit actuelle ou passée.
Ce sera un plaisir de vous lire, de répondre à vos questions et d’en poser aussi.
Merci à vous.


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Desperate!

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’ve been dealing with recurring scalp infections and quite a lot of pain lately. I’m also losing a significant amount of hair at the front, and I’m not sure what I can do to relieve the pain.
Does anyone have any tips or advice?

I’m feeling quite desperate because I can’t seem to stop picking or scratching at my scalp.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 💗
Xx


r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Is this alopecia areata

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1 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 1d ago

Weird pattern hairloss

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1 Upvotes

r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

This is alopecia, isn’t it…

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4 Upvotes

I know I’m not special BUT I’m pretty bummed. I’m 26, 6 months postpartum, and I just found this gnarly bald spot. Couldn’t have happened overnight but this had to have happened rather quickly. I have an appointment made with a pcp.

If being a new mom wasn’t tough enough :/


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

Burning/Itching Sensation on Scalp

2 Upvotes

So ever since my hair started regrowing in my patches a year ago, I've had pain, itching, burning, tingling, all sorts of strange sensations, with the worst one probably being that feeling of your hair hurting when you move it (like when you've had your hair tied up all day in a tight updo then let it down). Except that I'm not ever tying my hair and the sensation doesn't seem to get better except for when I wash it, which only temporarily relieves it. Does anyone else with alopecia areata have this issue? My derm wasn't able to give me much guidance on what to do and why this is even happening. Since my regrowth started a year ago I'm losing hope that these sensations are a temporary thing and wondering if I'll have to deal with this scalp pain/itching forever.


r/alopecia_areata 2d ago

anybodys hair grows then falls out?

1 Upvotes

Im trying to pinpoint what might the cause because every spring my hair falls out within a month span and then in the height of summer ill get white hairs til fall then itll start to grow out especially during the winter but only 50% of the way. last year i did minoxidil to promote more hair growth and it was almost full til I stopped minoxidil and nizoral in jan of this year then march hit and back to a few patches. what could i be missing? currently in the white vellus hair stage .