Alopecia is an autoimmune condition. This means the immune system, which normally protects us against bacteria and viruses, mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells—in this case, the hair follicles. Hair follicles are tiny structures in the skin that grow hair. When they are attacked, they shrink and stop producing hair, which leads to bald patches or complete hair loss.

Scientists believe alopecia develops due to a mix of genetics, the immune system, and environmental triggers such as stress. It is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene or diet. While some treatments like corticosteroid injections, immunotherapy, or topical creams may help stimulate regrowth, they do not guarantee permanent results. When I was diagnosed, one of my biggest hurdles was realizing there was no cure. I had to come to terms with the fact that alopecia was unpredictable. At times, small patches of hair grew back, only to fall out again. Accepting that uncertainty was one of the hardest parts of my early journey.

• Sudden Hair Loss – Shock and confusion when bald patches first appeared.
• Emotional Struggles – Anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of how others would react.
• Social Stigma – Facing questions, comments, or judgment from people.
• Loss of Confidence – Struggling with self-image and self-esteem.
• Mental Health Challenges – Stress, sadness, and pressure to “fit in.”
• Limited Awareness – Lack of understanding about alopecia in the community.
• Public Speaking Fears – Hesitation to share the story openly at first.