Frontal Fibrosis Alopecia (FFA) tends to start slowly, often causing a thin band of balding skin that runs along the front and sides of the hairline.
FFA can also cause hair loss elsewhere on the body. Anywhere you have hair, you may notice hair loss. Many people lose some (or all) of their eyebrows. As the hair loss advances, some people lose pubic hair, underarm hair, or hair on their arms or legs. People with facial hair may notice less hair in their beard area.
What causes Frontal Fibrosis Alopecia?
This type of hair loss is still a mystery, including what causes it. Trichologists continue to study frontal fibrosis alopecia (FFA) so that they can one day answer this question. Here’s what they’ve learned so far. Research has not concluded but have suggested that FFA is an autoimmune disease. People develop an autoimmune disease when their immune system attacks part of their own body. For example, when the body attacks its own joints, a person develops rheumatoid arthritis. It may be that FFA develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles (openings from which hair grows).
Trichologists have learned that when FFA develops the hair follicles can cause scaring to the scalp, and once a hair follicle scars over a long period of time, it can no longer grow hair.
Where hair once grew, you’ll notice smooth, hairless skin.
What Does FFA Look Like?
FFA will cause you to lose hair along the front of your hairline and this will slowly move backwards. There will be scarring along the front and sometimes the sides of your scalp. You may notice some redness and scaly skin around your hair follicles. The area that is affected usually progresses slowly over several years, although occasionally this process can happen more quickly. You might also notice that you are losing your eyebrow hairs and hairs elsewhere on your body. There is also a rare chance that you may develop lichen planus. This can cause a rash on your skin, in your mouth and on your genitals, as well as nail abnormalities.
Is FFA Reversible?
If you catch FFA early and treat it, you may regrow some hair. As FFA progresses, the hair follicles (openings from which hair grows) scar over. Once a hair follicle scars, it can no longer grow hair. At Mane Affair Studio, when we have maxed out our abilities our best recommendation will be to schedule with a board-certified dermatologist for medicated assistance.
So, how can you avoid frontal fibrosis and protect your hair? Here are a few tips:
Be gentle with your hair. Avoid pulling it too tight and try to use hair styles that put less strain on your hair.
Take breaks from tight hairstyles. If you wear braids, cornrows, or other tight styles regularly, give your hair a break in between and let it rest.
Invest in good hair products. It is easy to fall for the product your favorite influencer uses. Be mindful and use products that suit your condition best. Take a look at Elevate Fertilizing Pomade by Mane Affair Professionals which is formulated with essential vitamins that kick-start hair into an extended anagen (growth) phase.
Moisturize your hair regularly. Dry hair is more susceptible to damage, so make sure to keep your hair moisturized and nourished.
Consult with a hair professional. If you are concerned about traction alopecia or are experiencing hair loss, it is best to consult with a hair professional who can advise you on the best course of action.
For more information, we would be happy to see you again for a hair loss consultation. Contact: 214-730-0014 | Q&A: www.maneaffairstudio.com
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