Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. However, there are different types depending on the severity and underlying cause of the hair loss. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair loss, which results in a small, round patch of baldness on the scalp. It can also affect hair across the body, such as facial hair, body hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. For some people, larger areas can be affected, such as the whole scalp (alopecia totalis) or the whole scalp and body (alopecia universalis)².

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition which occurs when T-lymphocytes attack the hair bulb. There is a genetic predisposition in some families and it can also be associated with other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroiditis, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo and psoriasis¹. Unfortunately, there is no known cure and hair regrowth cannot be guaranteed. The chances of the hair growing back depends on the amount that is lost in the first place. People with small bald patches may experience full regrowth within a year, whereas people who lose half of their hair may not make a full recovery².