Living With Alopecia Areata: Symptoms, Pictures, Personal Stories, and Tips for Coping

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and body. No matter how much — or little — hair is lost, alopecia areata can have a significant impact on someone’s life. It can cause life-altering physical and psychological symptoms, and it can even affect the loved ones of those who have it.

Alopecia areata is different in each person. Here, we’ll review some perspectives on how it can affect everyday life, and some tips for coping. 

How does alopecia areata affect daily life?

For many people, hair is an important part of their appearance and self-image, and any type of hair loss can lower self-esteem and confidence. 

In alopecia areata, the unpredictable cycle of hair loss and regrowth can make the symptoms even more difficult to cope with. So it’s not a surprise that living with alopecia areata can cause unique physical, emotional, and social challenges. 

Hair loss

For many people with alopecia areata, losing scalp hair is the most bothersome symptom. This is partially because it’s visible, but also because losing hair there and in other areas — like your nose, eyebrows, and eyelashes — can cause physical symptoms.

“Everything on your body is there for a reason” including your nose and eye hair, which help filter out impurities, said Gary Sherwood, the communications director at the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). When you lose this hair, it can lead to different physical problems.  Sherwood, who helps educate people about the different aspects of living with alopecia areata, said that these are things you won’t necessarily think about if you don’t have alopecia areata.

Skin irritation

In some people, hair loss on the face and scalp can lead to skin irritation and the following problems:

• Scalp sensitivity to temperature

• Frequent runny nose and sneezing

• Eye irritation from sweat, water, and other debris

• Getting easily sunburned

Challenges with everyday activities 

Losing hair on your head or around your eyes can also make it hard to participate in some regular everyday activities. For example, you may not be able to:

• Wear helmets because they don’t fit right or cause too much sweating

• Swim because water is more likely to get in your eyes

• Participate in sports or other activities that may cause you to lose your wig or hairpiece

Psychological impact

Up to 70% of people with alopecia areata may have depression or anxiety, and for some this can lead to thoughts of suicide or other forms of self-harm. Other common feelings people may experience include:

• Feeling ashamed or humiliated

• Lower self-esteem

• Sense of changing self-identity

• Problems with sleep

• Feeling anxious in social situations

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Stigma and social isolation

People with alopecia areata may be treated differently or stigmatized because of their hair loss. For some, this is because people see them as being sick or having a contagious disease. In fact, this is one of the main things Sherwood wishes the public knew about alopecia areata — it’s not contagious, and you can’t “catch” it from someone else.

All of this can lead to social isolation, and it can even cause people to avoid gathering with friends or loved ones.

Impact on relationships

Alopecia areata can also have a significant impact on new or existing personal relationships.

In some studies, almost one-third of people with alopecia areata reported the end of a relationship because partners weren’t able to accept or cope with the hair loss or their changed appearance. 

They have also experienced:

• Uncertainty in how to speak with new partners about alopecia areata

• Concern that partners may not find them attractive

• Insecurity about appearance, which could be associated with decreased intimacy

Images of alopecia areata

Here are some pictures of alopecia areata in different locations and skin tones. 

Alopecia areata can cause eyebrow hair loss.

A patch of hair loss on the scalp from alopecia areata.

Self-care and coping strategies for alopecia areata

Living with alopecia areata starts with taking steps to address its unique emotional and psychological symptoms. 

Build your own support system

Sarah Ribeiro, a writer and marketer in New York City, was diagnosed with alopecia at age 29. “It’s so critical to know you are not alone in this, even when it feels like the most isolating experience in the world,” she said

So reach out to trusted friends and family members, and consider sharing your experience with them. This may involve: 

• Explaining how alopecia affects you physically and emotionally

• Sharing information about alopecia with them

• Letting them know specific ways in which they can help (and what is less helpful)

• Inviting their questions, if that’s something you feel comfortable with

• Addressing any awkwardness they may feel about your hair loss

• Involving them in the journey where possible — whether it’s driving you to appointments, choosing wigs, makeup, and headscarves, or consulting on a new look 

Connect with other people who share similar experiences 

Rachel Anne Warren, the 42-year-old owner of Frederick Wig Company in Frederick, Maryland, said that connecting with others who share similar experiences can be empowering. Support groups and social media communities can play a critical role. “Hearing other people’s stories and tips can make you feel less alone,” she said.

An important part of this is finding a good support system. NAAF, for example, provides different virtual support groups across the country for people who have alopecia areata, including a youth mentor program, which, according to Sherwood, is one of their most popular programs. NAAF also holds an annual conference for people with alopecia areata and their families that focuses on advocacy, support, and research. Education and advocacy from NAAF and other groups have helped improve awareness and reduce the stigma associated with alopecia areata.

Sherwood also credits social media for some of this positive change. “People with various diseases are able to contact other people with those diseases,” he said. “They start forming their own discussion groups online, and alopecia areata is no different.” These online platforms allow people to share their experiences and struggles with others, which helps form an extensive support system. 

Other organizations, like Bald Girls Do Lunch and This Is Me Foundation are good sources of support, too. 

Take tips to reduce your stress

Stress can affect hair growth cycles and worsen hair loss in alopecia areata. Lauren Brady, who’s 39 and lives in Stuart, Florida, is the cofounder of This Is Me Foundation. Brady, who has lived with alopecia since she was in high school, encourages others to give themselves grace. “It’s OK to have bad days and not beat yourself up over it,” she said. “Women with full heads of hair have bad hair days all the time.”

Many people find relief in activities like yoga, meditation, and daily exercise. But there are other everyday habits you can develop to help manage stress levels: 

• Get enough good quality sleep at night.

• Get outside in natural daylight every day.

• Connect with people who make you feel happy.

• Spend time with animals.

• Turn off notifications on your phone, take breaks from social media, and limit how much news you consume.

• Eat nourishing foods.

• Learn deep breathing and mindfulness techniques. 

• Express gratitude.

• Limit how much alcohol you consume.

• When possible, avoid situations that you know will cause you stress. That may mean learning to say no to things. 

Get professional emotional support

Some people may benefit from individual therapy to help with depression, anxiety, or other feelings they may have. Talk with your healthcare team about getting the right help for your symptoms. The American Psychological Association (APA) can also help you find qualified therapists. 

Get creative with your appearance (if you want to)

Thea Chassin, the 75-year-old founder of Bald Girls Do Lunch in New York, encourages women to find their own style and confidence. 

“Everybody looks good in hats. It’s just a matter of finding the one that works for your face shape and personality,” Chassin said.

Similarly, Ribeiro said she’s learned to reframe her perspective. “I’ve found that tackling the issue head-on — pun very much intended — is the best approach for me,” Ribeiro said. “For formal events, I used to wear wigs. But now I embrace going bald and accessorizing with gemstones or headpieces. It’s been liberating.”

Styling choices can help boost confidence. Ribeiro recommends experimenting with different looks to find what feels most “you.” From pre-tied turbans to bold headpieces, “I’ve had fun exploring different styles,” Ribeiro said. “There’s no right or wrong way to embrace this journey.”

For wigs, Brady suggests starting with affordable options: “There are so many amazing synthetic wigs now you can get at great prices,” she said. “My current daily wig was only $25 on Amazon, and I get so many compliments on it.”

Follow gentle skin and hair care

Gentle hair and scalp care are essential for people with alopecia areata. 

Chassin suggests focusing on high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizers and sunscreens designed for sensitive skin.

Brady highlights the importance of scalp care in cold weather. “I try not to expose my head to hot water for too long in the shower, and I make sure to moisturize my scalp,” she said. “It helps with dryness and irritation.”

Finally, Warren emphasizes the importance of trying on different solutions. “Avoid lotions and potions and cure-alls, or placing an order for something you haven’t seen, touched, or tried on,” she said. “If there were a magic-wand solution, no one would have hair loss.”

Protect your skin and scalp from extreme weather

Hair thinning and hair loss can increase your risk of sunburn and sun-related skin damage, so take steps to protect your sensitive scalp, such as: 

• Wear a hat or wig when outdoors.

• If you don’t wear a hat or wig, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply regularly.

In colder temperatures, hair loss can make you much more sensitive to the cold. Wear a hat or a wig to help you retain heat. 

Protect your nostrils

If you’ve lost your nasal hair, then your nose will be less able to protect you from dust, viruses, and other germs in your environment. Using a tube, try applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils. You can also wash your nostrils out daily, using a saline or xylitol nasal spray. 

Try makeup and lashes

If it’s right for you, consider experimenting with different makeup styles, including permanent makeup, and artificial eyelashes. Treatments to regrow eyelashes may be an option, too. 

Consult a board-certified dermatologist 

Find a healthcare professional who specializes in alopecia. Usually, this will be a board-certified dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. 

It’s important to find a specialist with experience treating people with alopecia, and someone that you connect with. 

They will be able to help you on your journey with alopecia, explore treatment options with you, and make recommendations for the best hair and skin products for your skin.  

Stay informed about new treatments

Many people with alopecia areata get frustrated with their current treatment options. Most alopecia treatments are off-label medications, and they may not work well for everyone. 

Some problems with many of these treatments include:

• Not always being effective

• Hard to tolerate (for example, shots given into the skin)

• Possible long-term side effects of some medications

In the last few years, two new oral medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of alopecia areata: Olumiant (baricitinib), in June 2022, and Litfulo (ritlecitinib) in June 2023. Leqselvi (deuruxolitinib) was FDA approved in July 2024, but its launch has been delayed. 

And it’s likely that more treatment options may be on the way. Other promising new treatments for alopecia areata are also being developed through the FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy program, which helps speed up the development of new therapies. 

Ask your dermatologist about newly approved treatments you may be eligible for, or clinical trials you may be able to get involved in. 

How alopecia areata can affect children

Alopecia areata is common in children, an especially vulnerable group of people. It can affect all aspects of their life, including school performance. 

Children and adolescents may also have to deal with unique social consequences related to living with alopecia areata, such as:

• Bullying and teasing

• Being treated differently

• Being seen as sick or with a contagious disease

• Physical aggression like having hats and wigs removed by others

• Being excluded at school events or sports

These behaviors can cause feelings of isolation, avoidance of social situations, and eventually contribute to anxiety and depression. 

Parents and caregivers of people with alopecia 

Alopecia areata also affects the family and loved ones of those who have it. Parents of children with alopecia areata may experience unique emotional challenges, including feelings of powerlessness and an overall decreased quality of life, especially if their child is severely affected.

The available treatments for alopecia areata can also be a challenge. Parents may be reluctant to use medications that can have side effects or cause pain, like steroid shots. But they may not feel like they have a choice if other treatments don’t work.

The Children’s Alopecia Project provides helpful resources and support from a community of other parents and caregivers facing similar challenges.    

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Written by:

Tanya Bricking Leach

Tanya Bricking Leach is an award-winning journalist who has worked in both breaking news and hospital communications. She has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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Images used with permission from VisualDx (www.visualdx.com).