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Alopecia areata is a pathological autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1–2% of the population. It is characterized by the sudden loss of hair, typically from the scalp, but it can also involve the beard, eyebrows, and other parts of the body where hair is present.
While the most common sites of hair loss are the scalp, beard, and eyebrows, alopecia areata can manifest anywhere on the skin that contains hair follicles. In some cases, the condition may also affect the nails, leading to visible changes such as pitting (small indentations) or longitudinal ridges. The course of the disease can vary significantly from person to person. In some individuals, hair may regrow spontaneously without treatment. In others, the condition can persist or recur, resulting in chronic active alopecia areata.
Accurate diagnosis by a qualified specialist is essential for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to the severity and pattern of hair loss.
A hallmark symptom of alopecia areata is the rapid loss of hair, often occurring over a very short period. In rare instances, individuals may experience complete hair loss overnight. This autoimmune condition affects both males and females equally and is most commonly seen in children and adolescents.
The initial signs of alopecia areata typically present as small, round or oval-shaped patches of hair loss—referred to as alopecic plaques—most often on the scalp. These areas are usually asymptomatic, although some patients may report mild itching or tenderness. The surrounding skin appears healthy, with no signs of inflammation, scarring, or scaling.
A distinctive clinical feature observed during examination is the presence of “exclamation mark” hairs—short, broken hairs that are narrower at the base near the scalp. These hairs are indicative of active disease. In such cases, hair can be easily pulled out from the margins of the affected areas. When hair begins to regrow, it often appears white or depigmented initially.
Prompt treatment of alopecia areata is crucial, as the condition can lead to significant emotional distress and psychological strain, which in turn may exacerbate the disease. Early intervention helps not only in managing symptoms but also in improving the patient’s overall quality of life and self-image.
With the advancement of effective treatment options, many patients are now experiencing better outcomes and enhanced well-being. In cases where alopecia areata presents with small, localized patches, active medical treatment may not be necessary. These mild forms often resolve on their own, with spontaneous regrowth of hair and restoration of normal appearance.
Nevertheless, careful monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential to track the progression and determine if further intervention becomes necessary.
One of the most promising recent developments in the treatment of alopecia areata is autologous PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) hair mesotherapy, also known as hair restoration therapy using autologous growth factors. Originally used for accelerating the healing of wounds, burns, and chronic ulcers, PRP therapy has now gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating various forms of hair loss.
In recent years, PRP has been successfully applied both as a standalone conservative treatment and as a complementary therapy alongside hair transplantation. It offers a safe, natural, and minimally invasive approach to stimulating hair regrowth.
The procedure begins by drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood. This blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. To activate the solution, calcium chloride ions are added, triggering the release of a high concentration of growth factors.
These growth factors play a crucial role in the body’s regenerative processes. When injected into the scalp, they stimulate local tissue repair, enhance cellular proliferation, and support the healthy function of hair follicles and skin structures—ultimately promoting natural hair regrowth and improving scalp health.
Autologous hair mesotherapy (PRP therapy) is a virtually painless procedure, performed using an ultra-fine 30G micro-needle, eliminating the need for local anesthesia. Each treatment session typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes and does not cause skin irritation or downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately after.
Modern treatment protocols recommend 3 to 4 initial sessions, spaced approximately one month apart, to achieve optimal results. To maintain and enhance the outcome, follow-up sessions every 3 to 6 months are advised.
The response to PRP therapy can vary from person to person. Some patients may notice visible improvements even after the first session, while for most, significant results typically emerge after the second or third treatment. Gradual thickening of hair, reduction in shedding, and improved scalp condition are among the most commonly reported benefits.
Prevents further hair loss
Boosts hair follicle growth
Strengthens the existing hair
At Advanced Hair Clinics, autologous hair mesotherapy (PRP therapy) has been, and continues to be, used with remarkable success in treating various forms of hair loss and alopecia across a wide range of patients. This innovative treatment has shown excellent results in cases of androgenetic alopecia and diffuse hair thinning, in both men and women.
Notably, PRP therapy has demonstrated impressive efficacy in managing even challenging cases of alopecia areata, including universal and generalized forms—conditions where conventional treatments often yield limited results.
Among the most encouraging outcomes have been cases involving young individuals with longstanding universal alopecia (lasting more than five years), who had previously shown no improvement with traditional therapies. In these cases, PRP treatment has led to significant hair regrowth, offering new hope where other approaches had failed.
With its regenerative power and natural healing properties, autologous growth factor therapy is redefining the treatment landscape for hair loss, delivering real and lasting improvements in both appearance and confidence.
Hair transplantation is generally not considered a standard treatment for alopecia areata, especially in cases of universal alopecia, where the lack of a sufficient donor area makes the procedure impractical. However, in carefully selected cases of localized alopecia areata, particularly where the condition has remained stable over time, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplantation may be a viable option.
Before proceeding with transplantation, it is essential that the patient is fully informed about the nature of alopecia areata. This includes understanding that the condition is unpredictable, with the potential for future recurrences in the same or different areas, and that the progression, duration, and extent of the disease cannot be precisely forecasted.
If the affected area has remained inactive and stable, and no new lesions have developed for a significant period, the results of FUE transplantation can be permanent and satisfactory, as in other types of alopecia. Nonetheless, careful evaluation and realistic expectations are crucial for a successful and lasting outcome.
Hair transplantation using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique may be considered in carefully selected patients with alopecia areata. Ideal candidates are those with small, localized, and clearly defined lesions that have remained stable for over a year, with no signs of progression or spontaneous regrowth. This stability reduces the likelihood of the condition reactivating in the treated area and helps ensure long-lasting results.
In such cases, healthy hair follicles are harvested from the donor area at the back of the scalp and transplanted into the affected site. Hair regrowth typically begins within a few months and gradually completes over 10 to 12 months following the procedure. When properly indicated, the aesthetic results are often excellent, significantly improving both appearance and patient confidence.
A particularly notable application of FUE in alopecia areata is eyebrow transplantation, as the eyebrows are a common site of localized hair loss. Often, this occurs without involvement of the scalp. Restoring the eyebrows can have a profound psychological impact, helping patients regain self-esteem and emotional well-being.
As with all cases of alopecia areata, patients must be thoroughly informed about the nature of the condition. It is essential to understand that alopecia areata may recur unpredictably, affecting the same or different areas regardless of treatment success. However, when the condition is stable, FUE results can be both stable and permanent, offering a lasting solution comparable to that in other types of alopecia.
Both sexes are affected at the same frequency, while the occurrence of alopecia areata in children and adolescents is more common.
The diagnosis of alopecia areata is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of well-defined patches of hair loss. A trichogram can aid in the diagnosis by revealing an increased number of dystrophic anagen hairs and a higher percentage of hairs in the telogen phase.
Additional diagnostic tools include:
