Research

Research information

This page is a work in progress

Finding research articles

Pubmed is a searchable database of published research articles. Some articles may be available freely, on Pubmed itself or through the full text links on the top right, which usually redirect to the journal websites.

Google scholar is another good way to find research articles. If you are unable to find a freely accessible version of an article, it is advised to search for a free PDF version by clicking on "All n versions".

If you are then still unable to find a free version of the article, you can try asking the "corresponding author" (usually the first or last author) for a PDF copy of the article, via e-mail.

Alternatively, contact the Alopecia UK research manager on [email protected] for help finding an article or to discuss its contents.

Clinical trials

ISRCTN is a register for clinical trials, it holds information on previous, current and future trials and includes plain English summaries.

ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of clinical trials, which holds protocols and results for studies.

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.

Research summaries

Plain English summaries of research studies related to alopecia

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.