What is Alopecia? Part 1

But first let’s talk about the hair cycle!

Growth cycle of a hair follicle

• Anagen phase = growing (up to 6 years!) - Pushes the old hair out

• Catagen phase = dying (up to 6 weeks) - Growth is slowing

• Telogen phase = resting (up to 6 months) 

• Stress can make up to 70% your hair enter this “resting phase” early

• This is where you notice hair loss

• Other times, your hair might have a progressively shorter “growing phase”

•  This is where you notice your hair becoming shorter, less pigmented & weaker

Alopecia is…

A disease that causes hair loss

• “Alopecia” = hair loss

• You can lose the hair anywhere but scalp and beard is most common!

• Usually begins in children and younger people 

• It can also happen at any age

• The hair can grow back but it may fall out again

• No cure now, but there are treatment options

• Corticosteroids - on the skin directly or an injection

• Hair transplants

• & more!