What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia Areata is the most widespread variation of Alopecia, and is also called patchy baldness. It's an autoimmune disease, where the body's own immune system goes in and attacks the hair follicles. As a result, all strands of hair in a limited area fall off and the hair follicles go to rest before they start to form new strands of hair again. And it's not just the hair on the head that alopecia can hit. patchy baldness Can also occur in the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes.

Alopecia Areata starts with small bald spots on the head of a few centimeters, and there are often more stain -wise hair loss at once. The bald spots can either move or grow larger. It is very individual how the course is in connection with Alopecia Areata.

How does Alopecia Areata develop?

According to sundhed.dk, half of those affected by alopecia will experience hair regrowth within 6 to 12 months. For others, the condition may remain active for several years. In such cases, hair may begin to regrow in the areas where bald patches first appeared, while new patches may develop elsewhere on the scalp.

Sundhed.dk also reports that approximately 80% of individuals with patchy hair loss (Alopecia Areata) eventually regain their hair. However, the new hair may differ in pigmentation and, in some cases, may grow back white. This change can be temporary, but it may also result in a permanent alteration in the affected areas.

Even if full hair regrowth occurs after an initial episode of patchy hair loss, there is unfortunately a risk of recurrence later in life.

Patchy hair loss can progress to Alopecia Totalis, resulting in the loss of all hair on the scalp. In rare cases, it may develop into Alopecia Universalis, where all body hair is lost—including eyebrows, eyelashes, arm and leg hair, pubic hair, and all other body hair.

How is alopecia areata diagnosed?

There are many potential causes of hair loss, including stress, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions. For this reason, it is important to consult your general health practitioner, who can conduct a thorough examination. If your doctor suspects that you may have patchy hair loss—also known as Alopecia Areata—you will be referred to a dermatologist, who is the specialist responsible for making the diagnosis.

Why do you get alopecia?

The exact cause of patchy hair loss still remains unknown. However, research suggests that genetics likely play a significant role. Additionally, it is believed that factors such as psychological stress, infections, other autoimmune diseases (such as diabetes), and metabolic disorders may trigger hair loss in individuals who are genetically predisposed.

Can alopecia areata be cured?

The short answer is no. If you suffer from alopecia, it's important to remember that your hair follicles are in a dormant state, and there is an 80% chance that your hair will regrow. While no miracle cure has yet been developed to stimulate the follicles out of this dormant phase, research is ongoing. Over the years, various vitamin and mineral supplements, medications, and specialized shampoos have been tested, but unfortunately, none have shown proven effectiveness. Therefore, our best advice is to wait and allow time to pass.

Hair solutions for alopecia areata

If your bald patches are stationary—that is, they do not move around—you may be a candidate for a custom-made hair solution from Hår for Livet® by Toftild. In this approach, smaller hair pieces are cut to match the shape of your patches. These pieces are then either taped or glued in place, effectively concealing the bald areas.

If the patches are continuously changing, another option could be a hair topper, which clips over your natural hair to cover the bald spots. For more extensive hair loss, we also offer wigs. All hair solutions from Toftild are designed to look natural and seamlessly blend with your own hair.

Get a subsidy

If you have been diagnosed with Alopecia at the dermatologist, you can apply for the municipality for a grant for hair. An appropriation is a financial subsidy from the public that covers your purchase of wig or toupe. Your grant is granted through section 112 of the Service Act. You are applying for grants via Borger.dk under the category "aids". There is always Free supplier choice In this area, so even if there is a specific supplier name on your appropriation, you can freely choose where to buy your new hair. In other words, you can always use Toftild, no matter what supplier name is on your appropriation. At Toftild we can also guide you in the process of seeking grants for wig, toupe and other hair loss solutions. Read more about subsidy for wigs and toupes here.

Do you suffer from alopecia?

If you are experiencing patchy hair loss or general hair thinning and would like to explore the options available to help you regain your hair, you can receive a free online consultation with Lise Toftild. During the consultation, she will assess your hair loss and provide our recommendations for possible solutions.

To get started, simply send an email to lise@toftild.com, briefly describing your hair loss. Along with your description, we kindly ask that you include some photos of your hair loss—preferably one from each side, one from the front, and one from the top. Rest assured, the photos will be deleted in accordance with GDPR regulations once the evaluation is complete.

Additionally, please indicate which of our locations you would prefer to visit. Once Lise has completed her assessment, she will respond with potential solutions and, if necessary, suggest available times for a personal consultation with one of our stylists.

Please note: Response times may take 5-7 business days.

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