Can I wear a head covering in my passport/driving licence photo?

Yes. Head coverings are accepted in passport/driving licence photos for both religious reasons and medical reasons. Alopecia is considered a medical reason. It is important that the head covering, such as hat, headscarf or bandana, does not cover or obscure the face in any way. It is recommended that a covering note is included with the application to simply state ‘I am wearing a head covering in my photo for medical reasons. I have <insert name of condition>.’

Including a short note explaining the reason for the head covering reduces the chance of the application being rejected by an examiner. This note does not need to be written by a doctor.

Latest

Platelet hyperactivity in alopecia areata

A research project at Leeds Beckett University, investigating the role of platelets (type of blood cell) in alopecia areata
Sue's 5k a Day in May page for Alopecia UK

I am raising funds and awareness by walking 5k a day in May for Alopecia UK because its a charity close to my heart.
Exploring emotions in adolescent hair pulling

Research study on the experiences of young people aged 13-18 who pull hair from anywhere on their body, in a way that feels difficult to control
Robyn’s Parish walk to peel in aid of Alopecia UK

I’d like to raise money for Alopecia UK because even though Alopecia is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, there hasn’t yet been a cure found. The money raised will go towards research projects and support groups for children and adults affected.

Common Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Information about common treatments for Alopecia Areata
Alopecia and Covid-19 (New Coronavirus)

A statement from Alopecia UK regarding COVID-19 and vaccines.
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out, usually in usually in round or oval patches on the scalp or other places on the body that grow hair, such as the beard, eyebrows or eyelashes. Types of Alopecia Areata include Patchy Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Alopecia Barbae, Diffuse Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Ophiasis.
Responding to the events from the 2022 Oscars

We respond to the events from the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony and the actions of Will Smith
A Guide to Wigs

Links to our downloaded PDF wig guide, and information on the NHS England wig report.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

Male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss. Hairs falls out in a well-defined pattern in men, whereas in women, the hair usually becomes thinner all over the head rather than receding from the temples.
Lichen Planopilaris (Scarring Alopecia)

Primary Scarring Alopecias (also known as cicatricial alopecias or scarring hair loss) are a group of conditions that destroy the hair follicle, replace it with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. In Lichen Planopilaris, patches of scalp appear, most commonly on the sides, front and lower back of the scalp.
Can I dye my hair when I have alopecia?
Telogen Effluvium

With Telogen Effluvium more hairs than usual move into the telogen (resting) phase and shed, so you may notice more hair falling out than usual. Telogen Effluvium is often caused by a physical or psychological trigger and often resolves itself spontaneously.
Hair Loss After Illness, including Covid-19

We asked Alopecia UK Research Committee member Professor Andrew Messenger to answer some questions about hair loss after illness.