HPI is proud to sponsor three events in Tennessee in partnership with the non-profit organization “Bald Girls Do Lunch” the first week of December.

“Bald Girls Do Lunch” provides a casual, informative and entertaining opportunity for women with alopecia to meet, get the latest medical updates and share coping experiences.

Every year thousands are diagnosed with some form of alopecia, which is an autoimmune condition that attacks the hair follicles, causing unexpected hair loss.  Hair loss to any woman is crushing to her self-esteem and self-confidence as she may become isolated and withdrawn during this experience.  Knowledge  and support can make such a difference to anyone who’s blindsided by alopecia’s completely unpredictable pattern of hair loss.

The  ”Bald Girls Do Lunch” events will be held in Memphis on Wednesday, November 30th;  Nashville  on Thursday, December 1st and Knoxville on Friday, December 2nd. 

Make your reservations asap.  You’ll be glad you were a part of this unique gathering.

Go to: http://conta.cc/BGDLTennessee for more details and to make your reservations.

Hair Prosthesis Institute helps many women and children that are suffering with alopecia to restore their look using human hair extensions or high-quality synthetic hair wigs.

Many unknowns surround this auto-immune condition, but here are some of the most common questions related to alopecia:

Who is most likely to suffer from alopecia?  Alopecia often begins in childhood and can affect any one of any ethnic background.  Almost 2% of Americans have alopecia areata.

What causes alopecia areata?   Alopecia areata, recognized by its patchy hair loss, is the most common form of alopecia, and specific causes are unknown.  Scientists think that people with this condition have a genetic predisposal to alopecia which presents itself after an enviornmental or emotional trigger, such as a high-stress event.

If genetics are involved, can my children inheirit alopecia if I have it?  The genetics connected to alopecia only shows a predisposition to that condition and not a direct relationship.  So many other factors and gene variations  are involved for alopecia areata to occur, for example, that it’s unlikely if you have alopecia that your child will have it.   Likewise, parents of children with alopecia areata typically don’t have alopecia. 

Will my hair grow back?   There’s no specific answer to this question as everyone who has alopecia areata reacts differently.  Sometimes the hair may grow back, either all or in certain areas, or it may not.  And when it does grow back, the alopecia could reoccur.  The unpredictable nature of this disease is probably the most frustrating aspect for those with alopecia.

What can I do to minimize the effects of alopecia areata?   The soluctions to minimalizing the effects of alopecia areata are dependent on the extent of the hair loss.  Very small patches can be camoflaged with colored hair fiber powder to make the scalp color less obvious.  Those with larger amounts of hair loss may want to consider a custom human hair addition or a synthetic wig, like those available at HPI.  Stylish headwear, such as silk scarves and trendy ball caps, are also an option.  While there’s no physical pain associated with alopecia, the emotional toll can be heavy.  Women especially may feel their female identity is compromised without a head full of hair.

For more indepth information regarding alopecia areata, go to this page of the National Institutes of Health.