The Belgravia Centre Blog

September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes sudden, patchy hair loss. Sometimes alopecia areata develops into a more severe form; alopecia totalis (total loss of scalp hair) or alopecia universalis (total loss of scalp and body hair).

Alopecia areata, a condition that affects men, women and children worldwide, is not very well understood. There are over 4 million sufferers in the USA and 90,000 in the UK. Studies have shown a genetic link in approximately 20-25% of cases. For some it is a short-term, acute condition and the hair returns. For others it is long-term and chronic. Proven hair loss treatments have helped some alopecia areata sufferers and results can be seen below. As yet, there is no treatment for alopecia totalis nor alopecia universalis.

Although British celebrities with alopecia, such as Gail Porter and Matt Lucas, have helped publicise the conditon, it continues to be under-reported in the media. It is hoped that this month will increase people’s understanding of not only the physical aspects of alopecia areata but also the mental and emotional trauma that this type of hair loss can cause.

Bad Hair Day is the first national day of awareness for alopecia areata and will take place on 29th September 2009. The campaign encourages people across the UK to forget their usual hair care routine can leave the house with Bad Hair.

Yorkshire PR firm Raw Sunshine came up with the idea. It is hoped that by having a Bad Hair Day, non-alopecia sufferers will reflect on how hair affects our personality and identity and help raise awareness of the condition. Participants are encouraged to hold events and help raise money for charities such as Alopecia Awareness, Alopecia Areata Support Community, BeBold, and Alopecia UK.

For those who want to get involved, more information can be found at www.badhairday2009.org.uk

If you are suffering from alopecia, and would like to discuss a hair loss treatment programme, please contact the Belgravia Centre for a free consultation by calling 020 7730 6666 or messaging the clinic. Alternatively complete the online diagnostic form and a treatment advisor will be in touch.

More Information:
Alopecia Areata Treatment
Alopecia Areata: A Summary of Treatment Options
Wikipedia Says There’s No Known Treatment for Alopecia Areata, Is That Right?

Alopecia Areata Success Stories:
“My hair is growing back…much heavier and thicker”
“The big patch of hair loss has gone and I’ve got my confidence back”
“The hair became very strong and smooth”

Interesting Articles:
Win A Wig & Raise Money for Hair Loss Charity, Bald Girls Do Lunch
Shooting Stars’ Matt Lucas on Hair Loss
Gail Porter’s Hair is Growing Back