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Hal's Hair Center Focuses on
Helping Men, Women and Children Suffering from Alopecia
Areata and Hair Loss
Alopecia Areata occurs in
males and females of all ages and races; however, onset most
often begins in childhood and can be psychologically
devastating. Although Alopecia Areata is not
life-threatening, it most certainly changes the life of the
person suffering from it.
And with its sudden onset,
recurring episodes, and unpredictable course, alopecia
areata has a very real psychological impact on the men,
women and children whose lives are disrupted by the disease.
At present, there is neither a cure for alopecia areata nor
drugs approved for its treatment.
Hope for Those Suffering
from Alopecia
 Hal's
Hair Center has helped thousands of men and women who suffer
the devastating effects of hair loss, baldness, and thinning
hair.
Our caring, confidential hair
loss counseling provides clients with the ability to make a
fully informed decision on which hair loss treatment or hair
replacement options are best for their particular type of
hair loss.
Our skilled artistic and
technical team of non-surgical hair restoration
professionals can create for you a sensational new look or a
happy "welcome back" to your own favorite style with an
individually customized hair addition or replacement
solution that is totally natural, and completely
undetectable.
With a Hal's Hair Center's
non-surgical hair replacement, you can shower, exercise,
walk into the wind, apply for that promotion at work... all
without worrying about your hair.
What
Is Alopecia Areata?
 Alopecia areata is considered
an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system, which is
designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as
viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles,
the tiny cup-shaped structures from which hairs grow. This
can lead to hair loss on the scalp and elsewhere.
In most cases, hair falls out
in small, round patches about the size of a quarter. In many
cases, the disease does not extend beyond a few bare
patches. In some people, hair loss is more extensive.
Although uncommon, the disease can progress to cause total
loss of hair on the head (referred to as alopecia areata
totalis) or complete loss of hair on the head, face, and
body (alopecia areata universalis).
What Causes Alopecia
Areata?
In alopecia areata, immune
system cells called white blood cells attack the rapidly
growing cells in the hair follicles that make the hair. The
affected hair follicles become small and drastically slow
down hair production. Fortunately, the stem cells that
continually supply the follicle with new cells do not seem
to be targeted. So the follicle always has the potential to
regrow hair.
Scientists do not know exactly
why the hair follicles undergo these changes, but they
suspect that a combination of genes may predispose some
people to the disease. In those who are genetically
predisposed, some type of trigger--perhaps a virus or
something in the person's environment--brings on the attack
against the hair follicles.
 Who
Is Most Likely To Get Alopecia?
Alopecia areata affects an
estimated four million Americans of both sexes and of all
ages and ethnic backgrounds. It often begins in childhood.
If you have a close family
member with the disease, your risk of developing it is
slightly increased. If your family member lost his or her
first patch of hair before age 30, the risk to other family
members is greater. Overall, one in five people with the
disease have a family member who has it as well.
Will My Hair Ever Grow
Back?
There is every chance that
your hair will regrow, but it may also fall out again. No
one can predict when it might regrow or fall out. The course
of the disease varies from person to person. Some people
lose just a few patches of hair, then the hair regrows, and
the condition never recurs. Other people continue to lose
and regrow hair for many years. A few lose all the hair on
their head; some lose all the hair on their head, face, and
body. Even in those who lose all their hair, the possibility
for full regrowth remains.
In some, the initial hair
regrowth is white, with a gradual return of the original
hair color. In most, the regrown hair is ultimately the same
color and texture as the original hair.
What Can I Expect Next?
The course of alopecia areata
is highly unpredictable, and the uncertainty of what will
happen next is probably the most difficult and frustrating
aspect of the disease. You may continue to lose hair, or
your hair loss may stop. The hair you have lost may or may
not grow back, and you may or may not continue to develop
new bare patches.
How Can I Cope With the
Effects of This Disease?
This is a common question,
particularly for children, teens, and young adults who are
beginning to form lifelong goals and who may live with the
effects of alopecia areata for many years.
Living with hair loss can be
hard, especially in a culture that views hair as a sign of
youth and good health. Even so, most people with alopecia
areata are well-adjusted, contented people living full
lives.
The emotional aspects of
living with hair loss, however, can be challenging. Many
people cope by learning as much as they can about the
disease; speaking with others who are facing the same
problem; and, if necessary, seeking counseling to help build
a positive self-image.
We invite you to schedule a
free, no-obligation consultation with one of our trained
hair loss professions to help you determine which hair
replacement solution is right for you. Please call us
at
(803) 278-1817 to
arrange a free, confidential consultation.
Or better yet,
JUST CLICK HERE to schedule your appointment
online.
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