One of the most common things women with alopecia areata want to know is when their hair will grow back. Unfortunately, alopecia is an extremely unpredictable disorder. Many factors can combine to cause it, it can start quite suddenly, and the prognosis for each person with the condition will be different.
This rather vague answer can be frustrating for women with alopecia when they hear it from their doctor, but it’s often the only answer available. Doctors can prescribe treatments, and these may even be effective – it’s all about trial and error. Some people may experience hair regrowth after a few months or a year, whilst others may have to wait a lot longer. In some cases, hair may grow back and then fall out again.
It’s hard to accept that you don’t have any control over the disorder or even your own body, but acceptance of what’s happening to you and a healthy dose of positive thinking are some of the only things you can do to cope. Another is to find suitable hair replacement or hair management solutions to help you cover or disguise hair loss until your hair can grow back.
Alternatively, you could shave your remaining hair off and embrace your baldness. It’s all up to you, but you aren’t alone in making your decision. Seek out support groups and other people with alopecia to see how they’ve coped and talk through your concerns.