HOUSTON — September is Alopecia Awareness Month. A lot of us know alopecia causes hair loss but did you know one out of every 50 people will suffer from it?
One woman shares its life-changing effects and the doctor who is helping her overcome them.
“This is a microscopic scalp analysis. So, we get in terms of the follicles unblock, clogged, or if there's a calcium buildup, if they are dead, dying or dormant,” Chief Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe said.
Anifowoshe checks to see what level of hair loss a client is suffering from. Then she determines the best treatment plan according to the severity of the condition.
“I receive treatments every week, and I come in for about an hour and a half, and it's really just a very relaxing hour,” said Stephanie Serlin, who has alopecia.
Serlin has been coming to the Texas Hair Restoration and Wellness Center for at least a year but first struggled with alopecia in 2020.
“I noticed that my hair was coming out in clumps in the shower. Just brushing it. It was all the time, even just pulling it back,” Serlin said.
Since then, she’s had hair masks, steam, rainfall and different minerals applied to her hair. Stephanie went from having a receding hairline to much fuller hair again.
“My hair looks like I did when I was in high school,” Serlin said.
Alopecia can be genetic. Serlin said her mother also suffered from it. The condition causes the immune system to attack hair follicles.
“So we're looking for what can cause you to lose hair,” Anifowoshe said.
You can look out for possible signs now. Don’t wait.
“If you have hair loss, thinning, shedding, it's a good chance you have early alopecia onset alopecia. So, we're scalp specialists, scalp scientists,” Anifowoshe said.
There are often a lot of misconceptions surrounding the condition. Take actress Jada Pinkett Smith. Her shaved head is just one example of alopecia.
“When Jada had it, her condition was called Alopecia Areata. And even in that condition alone, there are like 9 to 12 types of alopecia,” Anifowoshe said.
On the quest to get your hair back, trichologist Anifowoshe said reducing stress can be a huge first step. Realizing how much stress you have can be as simple as feeling your scalp.
“Your scalp is too tight. That's a sign that you're overly working you know, you're exhausting yourself. You move your scalp. Your forehead should move. That's a test right there,” Anifowoshe said.
Alopecia can form in women, men, and children of all ages but you don’t have to lose hope.
“It doesn't have to be a death sentence. Your hair wants to live your hair. Your hair is symbolic of your health,” Anifowoshe said.
That means with the right plan of attack, your hair can be saved like Stephanie’s and so many others.
“Research doctors in your area. It is a bit of a commitment, but it's well worth it because it restores your sense of happiness and sense of confidence,” Serlin said.
“They trust us with their hair and I take it extremely, very seriously,” Anifowoshe said.
Hair loss can be a bully. Don’t let it win.