It usually begins with the hair on your head. There are three severe forms of alopecia, including: Areata (patchy hair loss on your head) Totalis (complete hair loss on your head)

What does alopecia look like when it first starts?

A common symptom includes small, round patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard area, or other “hairy” parts of the body. Those with alopecia may also notice hair loss and regrowth at the same time, but in different areas of the body. Hair may also only be missing from one side of the scalp and not the other.

Can you randomly develop alopecia?

Alopecia occurs for many different reasons and presents in various ways. It can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Sudden-onset causes include illness, diet, medications, and childbirth. Alopecia that has a gradual onset more likely has a genetic component.