Extended Definition of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata (al-oh-PEE-shee- ah ar-ee –ey-tuh) is commonly known as hair loss. There are many different forms of hair loss. If one were to study the art of cosmetology the student would learn from their Milady’s textbook that alopecia areata is a sudden loss of hair in round or irregular patches; the scalp is not inflamed. Even after many years of research the pattern of hair loss does not have a definite known cause. At this time this form of alopecia is seen in those that have a lot of stress in their lives or has an autoimmune disease.

Word History

The description of alopecia has been around since 30 AD when Cornelius Census used the Greek word “Alopekia” meaning fox mange. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the actual term alopecia areata was used by Sauvages. (keratin.com)

Negation

Alopecia areata should not be confused with androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is the common hereditary hair loss also known as male pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. (Milady’s 65) With androgenetic alopecia the hair on the head does not grow back like the alopecia areata. The follicles that hold the hairs into the scalp become smaller in diameter making the actual hair shaft thinner and eventually fall out. In a normal hair cycle the hair grows, rests, sheds and then regrows. Each cycle tends to last about 3 to 7 years. With a healthy head of hair ones growth cycle should be closer to 7 years, while the head with alopecia is closer to 3 years. (surviving-hairloss.com) The cosmetology textbook states that length of hair and thickness are determined by how long the hair is allowed to grow before entering the next resting and shedding phase, the hair loss is thu...

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...octor about ways to overcome alopecia. Understanding that certain forms of hair loss can be treated while others can be empowering to those that struggle with very common thinning and loss of their locks.

Work Cited

"Alopecia areata - alopecia areata overview." Hair loss and hair growth information. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

"HealthyOntario.com - Alopecia." HealthyOntario.com provides trusted health information, treatment options, services and advice for healthier living. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

"Know Your Hair Growth Cycle." Hair Loss, Living and Surviving with the Condition. Web. 25 Jan. 2010. .

Milady. Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology 2000 Edition (Hardcover). Milady, 1999. Print.