Our Research Projects

Alopecia UK has been funding research since we became involved with the Hair Loss Priority Setting Partnership in 2013. We have funded a variety of projects, from psychology to basic science. Each of these projects is only possible thanks to the generous support of our members.

Every project is approved by our research committee and our panel of people affected by alopecia, to make sure we are supporting research of the highest scientific quality. Your support of our research projects means we can keep investing in research and get closer to a cure.

Application of ‘Nanokicking’ in immune disorders

An innovative project to use vibrations (Nanokick stimulation) for the treatment of alopecia areata Read more

Coeliac Disease and Micronutrient deficiency in Alopecia Areata

A study to determine if there is an association between alopecia areata and coeliac disease and if a gluten free diet can stimulate hair regrowth in some patients. Read more

Do You See You? Impact of Media Representation on Women with Alopecia

A research study to find out how people with alopecia react to the visual representation of alopecia and hair loss in the media. Read more

Early treatment to prevent Alopecia Areata Progression

A feasibility study to determine if early access to treatment can improve outcomes for people with alopecia areata. Read more

Genome-wide meta-analysis and comprehensive functional annotation of susceptibility loci in female frontal fibrosing alopecia

A study of genes associated with an increased risk of developing frontal fibrosing alopecia Read more

Glasgow Biobank for Alopecia Research

A collection of samples of blood, skin swabs, skin, and stool from volunteers with AA, AT and AU, for research into the causes of alopecia areata Read more

James Lind Priority Setting Partnership (PSP): Hair Loss

This project asked people whose life is affected by hair loss and people involved in treating hair loss to think about what's wrong with existing treatments and what future research they would like to see. Read more

Microbiota Signature of Alopecias

A study by Dr Higgins, from Imperial College London, to perform an in-depth analysis to determine the microbiome signatures of six different types of alopecia. Read more

MicroRNA targets in Scarring Alopecia

A study looking at the role of microRNAs and associated pathways in scarring alopecia. Read more

Molecular exploration of male frontal fibrosing alopecia

A project looking at the genes involved in development of frontal fibrosing alopecia in men. Read more

Seeking the trigger for alopecia areata

A research study to examine if trichohyalin triggers and/or enhances the autoimmune attack on hair follicles in alopecia areata Read more

The Role of Antigen Presenting Cells in Alopecia Areata

A research project looking at the immune cells involved in alopecia areata. Read more

Latest

Treading the Boards with Cameron!

9 year old Cameron tells us about her experience of alopecia areata and acting
Children's Online Meeting

This meeting is a Show and Tell session. It is suitable for children with alopecia up to age 12.
Seeking the trigger for alopecia areata

A research study to examine if trichohyalin triggers and/or enhances the autoimmune attack on hair follicles in alopecia areata
'Linking in' with Jules!

We catch up with Jules who went viral on LinkedIn last year when she shared her workplace experience of alopecia. In this blog post, she talks about alopecia at work, changing mindset and establishing boundaries

Alopecia and Covid-19 (New Coronavirus)

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

Information about common treatments for Alopecia Areata
A Guide to Wigs

Links to our downloaded PDF wig guide, and information on the NHS England wig report.
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.
Alopecia UK Support Groups

Find out exactly what a support group is, where your nearest AUK group is and how to start your own support group.
Online Groups

Links to our online support options; Alopecia Cafe, private Facebook groups and Healthunlocked
The ups and the downs

My story includes a brief summary of my alopecia journey. The main focus of my story is about self-acceptance and becoming your own best friend though-out hair loss.
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.
Advice for children and young people with alopecia

Including fact sheets for varying age groups and helpful links
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.