Alopecia areata, locs, grease & oil! @iamcyndoll
- Admin
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in small, round patches. It can affect the scalp, face (eyebrows, beard), and sometimes the entire body.
Key Facts:
• Cause: Autoimmune response, genetics, and possibly environmental triggers.
• Types:
• Alopecia Areata: Patchy hair loss.
• Alopecia Totalis: Complete scalp hair loss.
• Alopecia Universalis: Total body hair loss.
• Symptoms: Sudden, patchy hair loss, smooth bald spots, possible tingling or itching.
• Treatment: No cure, but treatments like corticosteroids, minoxidil, immunotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may help hair regrowth.
• Outlook: Hair may regrow and fall out again unpredictably; some recover fully, while others experience chronic hair loss.
Hair follicles are unique structures that usually remain hidden from the immune system—a concept known as “immune privilege.” In simple terms, this means that under normal conditions, the body’s defense system ignores these follicles to avoid unnecessary inflammation or damage.
When this protection breaks down, several factors may contribute:
• Genetic Predisposition: Some people are more likely to lose this immune privilege due to inherited traits.
• Stress & Infection: Physical or emotional stress, as well as infections (for example, from bacteria overgrowth due to clogged follicles), can trigger inflammatory signals that disrupt the immune balance.
• Environmental Triggers: Factors like harsh hair treatments or tight hairstyles may damage the follicle’s protective barrier.
Once the immune privilege is lost, the immune system might mistakenly see the hair follicles as foreign. This misidentification leads immune cells to attack them, causing the inflammation and patchy hair loss seen in conditions like alopecia areata.
Tight hairstyles can put constant tension on the scalp, which may trigger localized stress and inflammation. When the follicles are repeatedly stressed and clogged—often due to product buildup or excess oil—it creates an environment where bacteria and fungi can overgrow. This microbial imbalance can lead to scalp infections, further irritating the area. The combined effects of mechanical stress from tight styles, clogged follicles, and microbial overgrowth can provoke an immune response that might contribute to the cycle of inflammation and, in some cases, lead the immune system to mistakenly target the hair follicles.
Applying excessive oil to the scalp, especially in cases of alopecia areata, can contribute to worsening the condition rather than helping it. Here’s how:
1. Clogged Follicles & Bacteria Growth
• When you apply too much oil, it mixes with dead skin cells and dirt, leading to clogged hair follicles.
• A clogged follicle creates a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, leading to scalp inflammation, infections, or conditions like folliculitis.
• An overgrowth of bacteria, particularly Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), can trigger an immune response.
2. Overactive Immune Response
• Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
• A scalp overloaded with oil, dead skin, and bacteria can cause the immune system to go into overdrive, mistaking the follicles as a threat.
• This heightened immune activity can worsen inflammation, accelerating hair loss instead of promoting regrowth.
3. Increased DHT & Sebum Production
• In some individuals, excessive oiling can increase dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss, by further stimulating sebaceous glands.
• More sebum (scalp oil) can cause an imbalanced microbiome, leading to irritation, dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, which can trigger immune-related scalp issues.
4. Lack of Oxygen & Nutrient Blockage
• A thick layer of oil suffocates the scalp by preventing proper oxygenation and blood circulation.
• Hair follicles need an optimal balance of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Excess oil buildup can prevent this, weakening the follicles and increasing shedding.
How to Avoid This Problem:
• Wash the scalp regularly with a gentle, clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil and prevent buildup.
• Maintain a healthy scalp microbiome with anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil or probiotics.
If you’re dealing with alopecia areata, it’s crucial to manage inflammation rather than overload the scalp with oil. Proper scalp care, stress management, and medical treatments like corticosteroids or PRP therapy can help encourage regrowth.
Without excess oil, there’s less chance of clogging hair follicles, which means fewer opportunities for bacteria to build up and trigger inflammation. In a cleaner environment, the scalp’s natural microbiome can thrive without constantly provoking an immune response, reducing the likelihood that the body will mistakenly attack its own hair follicles. This approach, combined with proper cleansing and maintenance, can contribute to healthier scalp conditions and may help reduce issues like alopecia areata.
Overusing essential oils—especially if they’re not properly diluted—can irritate the scalp and lead to inflammation. This irritation might disturb the scalp’s natural balance, potentially triggering an inflammatory response that could worsen an underlying autoimmune condition like alopecia areata. However, essential oils themselves aren’t known to directly cause the immune system to target hair follicles. Instead, they might contribute to creating an environment where inflammation is more likely, which in turn can exacerbate an autoimmune response in individuals who are already predisposed. It’s important to use essential oils carefully, patch-test for sensitivities, and maintain a balanced scalp environment to avoid unintended irritation.
Watch full lecture on essential oils!
Hair follicles are usually “immune-privileged” sites, meaning the immune system typically leaves them alone. When that privilege is lost—due to factors like genetic predisposition, stress, infections, or environmental triggers—the immune system may mistakenly identify these follicles as foreign. This misidentification can cause immune cells to attack the follicles, leading to conditions like alopecia areata.
Regarding herbs, many are known more for their immunomodulatory (or balancing) properties than for simply “strengthening” the immune system. This is important in autoimmune conditions, where an overactive immune response is the issue. Some herbs that may help balance immune function include:
• Turmeric: Its active ingredient, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm an overactive immune response.
• Ashwagandha: Often used as an adaptogen, it may help balance stress hormones and modulate immune activity.
• Ginger: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support overall immune health.
• Medicinal Mushrooms (like Reishi): These have been used traditionally to modulate immune responses.
• Echinacea: While popular for boosting immune function, its use in autoimmune conditions is controversial and should be approached with caution.
Remember, in autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, the goal is to modulate or balance the immune response—not simply “boost” it—so it doesn’t become overactive. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding new herbs or supplements, especially when managing an autoimmune disorder.
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