Alopecia Areata: What Are The Signs & Treatments Available?

When it comes to your hair, there is a wide range of issues that you might encounter that can leave you puzzled.

From dry scalp and dandruff to hair loss and thinning, you’ll wonder what is causing this?! Well, one common form of hair loss is alopecia areata. And it’s essential to pay attention to sure signs that might indicate that you’re suffering from it.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know. From signs and types to what causes it and how to treat it....we’ve got you covered.

What is Alopecia Areata?

First, let’s identify what the condition is. Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss when the body’s immune system attacks its hair follicles. This causes the follicles to become smaller and decreases hair production so that the hair growth might stop.

Hair loss due to alopecia areata has the appearance of patches, and you shouldn’t be alarmed if you see it happening all over different parts of your body. It is common for the hair to regrow on its own, and it may or may not fall out again. And it’s entirely normal for someone with alopecia areata to experience many reappearances of hair loss.

Due to the unpredictability of alopecia areata, it can be pretty frustrating to deal with, and it may be evident to others.

There are five well-recognized forms of alopecia areata. Alopecia areata patchy is the most common type where people experience one or more coin-sized hairless patches on the scalp or other body parts.

Alopecia totalis is complete hair loss on the scalp, and alopecia universalis occurs when there is the complete loss of hair on the scalp, face, and body.

Lastly, diffuse alopecia areata is the abrupt thinning of hair on the scalp, and ophiasis alopecia occurs when there is band-shaped hair loss around the sides and lower back of the scalp.

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What are the Signs?

The most evident sign of alopecia areata is the hair loss on the head, but the condition can also cause changes to your nails or hair loss on other parts of the body.

The most common indicators of alopecia areata are:

Round or oval patches of hair loss on your scalp

Round or oval patches of hair loss in your beard

Loss of eyelashes

Hair loss all over your body

Red or brittle nails

Woman looking concernedly at a hairbrush with hair stuck in it.

What Causes Alopecia Areata?

There are a handful of factors that could contribute to developing alopecia areata. As mentioned earlier, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system attacks part of your body.

Genetic factors and people who suffer from asthma, thyroid diseases, down syndrome, hay fever, or pernicious anemia have a higher chance of experiencing alopecia areata.

Ultimately, there’s no proven scientific concept about igniting the immune system to attack healthy hair follicles. It could occur inside of the body from a virus or from outside of the body.

What Treatment Options are available?

Depending on the type of alopecia areata you have, your age, and hair loss level, many treatment options are available to interrupt the immune attack and invigorate the hair follicle.

Some may recommend various medications for hair loss treatment. While these options have been historically popular, it's essential to research if they are the right products for you. Be sure to explore our blog for detailed comparisons of different treatments.

There are also other treatments and topical agents to consider; however, we recommend consulting with a doctor before doing so. One highly effective and non-invasive treatment option to explore is Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT).

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What is Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)?

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a proven, effective, and safe treatment for hair growth, making it an excellent choice for those with androgenetic alopecia.

Numerous studies highlight significant improvements in hair density, hair count, and overall hair coverage using LLLT devices like laser combs and helmets. Participants in clinical trials saw substantial hair regrowth compared to control groups with sham devices or no treatment, with one group experiencing a 14.2% increase in hair coverage over 24 weeks.

LLLT, particularly at wavelengths around 655 nm, has also been shown to enhance hair tensile strength and stimulate growth in specific areas. As a non-invasive solution for hair loss, LLLT stands out as a highly effective option to promote hair regrowth and restore confidence.

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Why iRESTORE?

At iRESTORE, we pride ourselves on providing healthy and safe ways to promote hair growth, and our products are FDA-cleared and proven to treat hair loss.

Our low-level light therapy (LLLT) Elite, Professional, and Essential devices promote thicker, fuller hair and are completely drug-free without dealing with messy applications. LLLT stimulates healthy cells, increasing blood circulation, oxygen, and nutrients to your scalp, creating a safe and uncomplicated environment for hair growth, all from the comfort of your home.

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If you’re not ready for our renowned hair laser helmets, the iRESTORE REVIVE line offers excellent alternatives for hair care.


The REVIVE Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated to strengthen and volumize your hair. The Growth Activator Serum and Hair Growth Formula work synergistically to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.


For an all-in-one solution, consider the REVIVE Max Growth Kit or REVIVE Growth Accelerator Kit. Revitalize your hair and scalp with iRESTORE’s top-tier Hair & Scalp Treatments, designed to nourish and rejuvenate your hair from roots to tips.

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