Edinburgh Studio - Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Recognising FFA

Along with other auto-immune disorders, FFA seems to be becoming increasingly common, and the Edinburgh studio is seeing more examples of it.

Its main characteristics are inflamation at the hairline, which causes the hairline to gradually recede at the front and sides, coupled with a scarring of the scalp which has been left behind. This scarring means that the hair follicles are destroyed and are thus incapable of regrowth, and this is something that can be difficult to accept and adjust to.

It wasn't recognised as a separate condition until the mid-1990s and medical research into it is still in the early stages. However for anyone who is at the early stages of this condition we do encourage you to see your doctor as treatment (usually steroids) can slow down the progression of the disease, although there is no cure and no way to reverse it. In some cases FFA seems to burn itself out and the hair line stabilises, but in others it continues for many years and in the worst cases it can result in the whole of the front half of the head becoming bare.

This short video shows the life changing hair transformations we offer our lovely clients!

What can be done to disguise it, other than a wig?

Where the hairline has receded the only effective alternative to wigs is a variation on our Intralace System incorporating the Natural Hair Line Parting and Sides. The main system can usually be integrated with your own hair unless there is extensive loss - in which case our Freewear system may be employed - while the Parting and Sides are fixed in place using a medical grade tape where the skin is bare. The results are a very natural appearance and are semi-permanent.

As with all our studios the Edinburgh staff are thoroughly trained and experienced in assessing and creating custom solutions and styles for women with FFA, and they will also instruct you in how to re-apply the tape when this becomes necessary.