First of all, alopecia areata is a condition which induces hair loss from some or all parts of the body, but more usually it infects the scalp first. It affects about 0.1% to 0.2% of people in the world and is thought to be a hereditary disease. Hair loss can occur in only one round spot in the scalp (alopecia areata monolocularis), diffusedly over the entire scalp (diffused alopecia areata), multiple areas of the scalp (alopecia areata multilocularis), the entire scalp (alopecia areata totalis), or the entire body (alopecia areata universalis).
When symptoms start to appear, most women try to cover the loss of hair by wearing caps or hats, while those who have only mild alopecia grow their hair long and styles it in a way that the bald spot is covered. Those who only have monolocularis, multilocularis, or diffused alopecia think of getting a perm (permanent wave) so the curly, permed hair will cover their bald spots.
But before you go on and get that perm, it is advisable that you get the opinion of your doctor, and not just your stylist’s. Though your stylist’s experience in perming is of importance, your doctor’s advice is even more important as you may not be aware of other conditions or complications which may occur because of the interaction of the chemicals used in perming and the medication/s you may be taking to treat the condition.
Treatment given for alopecia include clobetasol or fluocinonide, cream, steroid injections, minoxidil, anthralin or topical coal tar, oral costicosteroids, and topical immunotherapy cyclosporine. Any of these medications may interact with the curing agents used in perming which may cause burns, further hair loss, and even immuno-allergic reactions.
As a general rule, here are some contraindications for perming:
1. damaged hair
2. abnormal scalp conditions, including broken or weeping areas of skin
3. previous chemical services
4. resistant hair
5. highly porous hair
As you can see, 2 and 3 are highly probable causes for those with alopecia (and are taking treatments) to NOT get a perm. Your stylist will usually ask you some questions (or ask you to fill out a questionnaire) before giving you a perm, and will often themselves recommend that you postpone the perm until your alopecia has been treated or your medications have been completed.
A Woman with Alopecia
