Alopecia Wigs

Genetic alopecia is called androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. It has a genetic basis in which the hair follicles become hypersensitive to the hormone DHT or dihydrotestosterone. As the follicles become smaller, hair thins and eventually falls out. Women who suffer from pattern baldness may not always experience the typical signs of balding as men do, but will notice significant changes in volume. Patches and thinning hair are typical symptoms of this disease.  This form of hair loss usually appears in the late 20’s or early 30’s and progresses with age. 

The condition of involutional alopecia is related to thinning hair with an increase in age. As we get older, the volume of hair follicles is significantly reduced. Hair suffers thinning and major loss over time causing differing degrees of baldness often most noticeable in the front or crown of the head. Often a wig for alopecia can help cover the areas most affected and help boost confidence.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. The natural hair follicles are under attack by the immune system resulting in the loss of hair. Areata is the medical term for “patchy” and can happen at any time, but is often noticed in young children. There is no way of determining whether the hair will grow back. Often, the hair does grow back only to fall out again at a later date, sometimes many years later.

Common Types of Alopecia Areata:

• ophiasis alopecia – loss of hair along the back of the head and scalp edge with a wavy pattern of thinning hair
• totalis alopecia – total hair loss on the scalp, but no significant hair loss on the body
• universalis alopecia – permanent loss of all hair on the body and scalp
• traction alopecia – damage to hair follicles and loss of hair due to tension on the scalp from wearing extensions, tight braiding, ponytails, and buns worn repeatedly.
• cicatricial alopecia – hair loss from scar tissue developed on the hair follicles 
• central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia – male pattern baldness in women over time, also caused by frequent chemical, heat and tension when styling
• lichen planopilaris – inflammation of the scalp from an autoimmune disorder causing redness, scaly skin, bald patches and sometimes pain and burning
• alopecia effluvium – hair falling out or thinning because of chemotherapy and radiation
• telogen effluvium – hair loss where surgery or trauma has occurred

Individuals who suffer from trichotillomania, also known as trich, impulsively and obsessively pull their hair and often have major hair loss in patches. The hair pulling disorder can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy. When symptoms are uncontrollable individuals may choose to shave their scalp and wear a head covering such as a wig or scarf in order to stop the behavior. By wearing a wig an individual who suffers from trichotillomania no longer has the ability to pull out their natural hair.

• Trichorrhexis Nodosa – hair node damage after exposure to heat styling like chemical applications, straightening or extensions, as well as thyroid disease treatments