Sudden Bald Spots: The Effects Of Alopecia Areata
Posted in Hairstyle Trends by Marie Finnegan
As women, hair is an important part of our total self-image. Often however, we take our beautiful full heads of hair for granted. Imagine waking up one day to find a clump of hair on your pillow or your hairstylist informing you of bald patches on your scalp. For some women, this scenario is their unfortunate reality, and it can be caused by a condition known as Alopecia Areata.According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, this highly unpredictable auto-immune skin disease, which results in the loss of hair on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body, usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches. Shockingly, Alopecia Areata affects approximately 2% of the overall population, including more than five million people in the United States alone. The disease affects significantly more females than males. Alopecia Areata can occur in people who may have no other health or skin issues and often first appears in late childhood or young adulthood. The condition is not contagious; it often occurs in people who have affected family members, suggesting that one, but not the only, factor is heredity.
There are various types of alopecia, including Alopecia Areata, which involves hair loss in one or more round spots on the scalp; Alopecia Totalis, in which the person loses all of the hair on his or her scalp; and Alopecia Universalis, in which the person loses all of his or her body hair. Fortunately, those who suffer from Alopecia Areata do not need to sacrifice their self-image and style due to the many hair replacement options available today. Women who have only lost a patch or two of hair may opt for partial hair pieces to replace just the areas they have lost. For women with Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis, however, investing in a high quality wig or hairpiece can be their salvation.
If you are skeptical about the idea of wearing a wig because they can look phony, there are now options on the market that are indiscernible from your natural hair on its best day. While 100% natural human hair wigs – especially those made from premium European hair – are more expensive than their cheaper counterparts, they are truly an investment for women with Alopecia Areata. They give the wearer a natural look and can be washed and styled throughout their long lifetime.
Photography Credits: Wigs By FolleaWomen with Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis are not only concerned with quality, however; they are also concerned with their wigs fitting comfortably and securely on their heads. Fortunately, options are now available especially for them. While wigs traditionally clip into some of your existing hair, women with Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis obviously do not have that choice. One option is the so-called “Vacuum Cap”, which is created using a mold of your head to create a silicone cap and implant hair into the silicone. Another, newer, option is the Gripper Cap, a product developed especially for those with Alopecia Areata/ Totalis/ Universalis. Michael Leigh, president of Follea, developer and manufacturer of the Gripper Cap, said, “I believe there are few things in life more traumatic for a woman than the sudden loss of her beautiful hair. Alopecia Totalis and Universalis are especially devastating. These hair-wearers have special needs. The Gripper Cap was developed for those who prefer no tape or glue on their scalp, yet crave lightness, breathability and – above all – natural, beautiful hair to replace that which they lost.”
Photography Credits: Wigs By FolleaAlthough Alopecia Areata is a devastating disease that can strike a woman at any given time, it is important to know that if you or any of your loved ones are afflicted by the condition, you still have options to insure that you never lose your confidence and can continue showing off your beautiful hair!
Editorial Notes: Marie Finnegan is a member of the Marketing Solutions Team headquartered in Fairfax, VA. For more information, email: MktgSols@MktgSols.com or visit www.MktgSols.com. Marketing Solutions is a full service marketing, advertising, graphic design and PR agency specializing in the professional beauty business with manufacturers, distributors, salons and day spas as clients. Michael Leigh is president of Follea. For more information, contact Follea at +1 888-4-FOLLEA, 310-858-0100 or Info@Follea.com and visit www.Follea.com.
