Does Alopecia UK accept wig donations? Can I send my unwanted wigs to Alopecia UK? Expand Alopecia UK does not have the resources to be able to process any wig donations. Currently we do not accept donations of unwanted wigs. However, there is a wig bank run by Linzi Brack of Diamond Hair Solutions. To date, Linzi has raised over £15,000 for Alopecia UK by recycling unwanted wigs and selling them and donating a percentage of the proceeds. You can read more about the Diamond Wig Bank North East, including details of how to send any unwanted wigs to Linzi here.
Groups Expand 🎢 Ride Groups at Alton Towers We offer optional ride groups led by friendly Alopecia UK volunteers to help attendees go around the park together. Joining a group is a great way to meet others, make new friends, and share the experience – especially if it’s your first event! Many attendees from previous years have told us that being part of a group made their day even more enjoyable. However, joining a group is completely optional – some people choose to explore the park with their own family or friendship group, for part or all of the day. That’s absolutely fine! We’ll also set up WhatsApp groups to help you connect, find others, or rejoin a group later in the day. 🔁 Flexible & Friendly Please note: groups may merge or split on the day depending on numbers and how people are feeling. These plans are a guide to help the day run smoothly – not a strict schedule 👨👩👧 Group 1 – Small Rides (Typically for Younger Children) Recommended for: Children under approx. 1.2m who enjoy gentler ridesMorning Area: CBeebies Land Octonauts Rollercoaster Vroomster Zoom Ride Justin's House Pie-O-Matic Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop Bugbie Go Round In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride Postman Pat Parcel Post Bluey: The Ride Afternoon Area: Mutiny Bay, The Towers, Katanga Canyon Sharkbait Reef Heave Ho Battle Galleons Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp Gangsta Granny: The Ride Royal Carousel Cuckoo Cars Driving School Hex Duel FINAL RIDE OF THE DAY: Runaway Mine Train (must be min 1.1m to ride). 🎢 Group 2 – Medium Rides (Min. Height: 1.2m) 2A: Children & Teens2B: Adults Morning Area: Mutiny Bay, The Towers, Dark Forest Wicker Man Heave Ho Hex Th13teen Afternoon Area: Forbidden Valley, Gloomy Wood, Katanga Canyon Spinball Whizzer Curse at Alton Manor Gangsta Granny: The Ride FINAL RIDE OF THE DAY: Runaway Mine Train 🎢 Group 3 – Big Rides (Min. Height: 1.4m) 3A: Children (approx. ages 8–13)3B: Young People & Adults (13+) Morning Area: X-Sector, Dark Forest The Smiler Oblivion Rita Th13teen Afternoon Area: Mutiny Bay, Forbidden Valley, Katanga Canyon Wicker Man Galactica Nemesis Reborn FINAL RIDE OF THE DAY:Runaway Mine Train 📍 While Groups 3A and 3B follow the same general route, they will likely go round independently, allowing flexibility to move at their own pace and avoid long waits for others in the group. ℹ️ A Few Important Notes Ride plans are for guidance only – group leaders may adjust routes based on queue times, ride closures, or weather. More rides may be added on the day depending on time and how busy the park is. Group routes have been designed based on feedback from previous years – we hope there's something for everyone! 🤔 Should I Join a Group? Here are some things to consider when deciding: What type of rides do you/your child enjoy? What is your/your child’s height? Would you like to meet others with alopecia and spend time with them throughout the day? We know from experience that queueing with friendly faces makes the day even more enjoyable – and it’s a great chance to connect with others who “get it”. Whether you stay with a group all day, dip in and out, or go solo – there’s no right or wrong way to do it. This event is all about having a fun, relaxed day together.
Can special shampoos or supplements help regrow hair? Expand There are many products marketed as helping with hair loss but rarely is there any clinical evidence to back up the claims made. We would always recommend checking the product’s website and searching for appropriate evidence prior to making a purchase. We recommend seeking advice from your GP before taking any supplement. Please note, there is limited evidence about the use of supplements. This paper from 2017 provides a review of the role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss. If you wish to try a shampoo or supplement, we recommend being mindful of the following: A product that one person insists has worked miracles for them, will not work for everyone. It is also worth remembering that, with alopecia areata, spontaneous regrowth can occur at any time and may be coincidental with the time of trying a new product. The financial cost of some hair loss products can be considerable, and most products will suggest that the effects will only be seen following months of use. A financial and emotional investment in a product that then has no effect can lead to feelings of disappointment. It can be challenging to manage expectations when trying new products and this should be a point to consider before trying any new shampoo or supplement.
Is alopecia classed as a disability? Expand Alopecia in its own right is not classed as a disability in legal or employment terms. For something to qualify as a disability, it needs to have a substantial and adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Alopecia itself does not limit the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities but the mental health impact can. Any consequential mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression may fall into the disability definition but alopecia alone does not.
Is alopecia 'just hair loss' or 'a cosmetic issue'? Expand Whilst alopecia simply means ‘hair loss’, anyone who has experienced it will know that it is far more than that. The loss of hair can present challenging physical symptoms such as difficulty in regulating body temperature, increased sensitivity to light from a lack of eyelashes and a ‘running tap nose’ from the lack of nasal hair. These are just a few examples of the physical impact alopecia can have. Learn more about different types of alopecia The biggest impact of alopecia is often the psychological and emotional effects on an individual. The change in appearance can lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem. Feelings of loss of identity, femininity, masculinity, and attractiveness are also commonly reported. The feelings associated with alopecia can, for some, lead to mental health impacts such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, we still hear that some people with alopecia are told it’s ‘just hair loss’ or ‘a cosmetic issue’. This might be family and friends saying something along the lines of ‘Well, thank goodness it’s just hair loss’. Or it could be a doctor informing a patient ‘Funding for treatments/wigs is not available because alopecia is determined a cosmetic issue’. Alopecia UK strongly advocates that alopecia is viewed as a medical condition that can have significant physical and emotional impacts on an individual. It can be damaging to people affected by alopecia when it is viewed as cosmetic and the result of this can be people believing their feelings are invalid. Alopecia UK will continue to raise awareness of the various impacts alopecia and challenge any opinions that are dismissive of the impact the condition can have on some people affected.
Can you recommend a hairdresser who is sensitive to those with hair loss? Expand Firstly, it is worth remembering that hairdressers come into contact with alopecia on a very regular basis. They are often the first person to spot hair loss. Most hairdressers will automatically treat their clients sensitively regarding their hair loss. MyNewHair is a charity founded by and inspired by Trevor Sorbie MBE. MyNewHair provides public advice and support a national network of independent salons and professionals who provide a wig styling service for people suffering from cancer and medical hair loss. Each professional who signs up to MyNewHair’s network pledges their commitment to responsible training and providing a caring and sensitive service for their clients. Many MyNewHair stylists are trained to cut and style wigs and they have a 'salon finder' on their website. You can find more information about MyNewHair here.
Where can I find a dermatologist specialising in hair loss? Expand There is an organisation called the British Hair and Nail Society (BHNS), made up of members who are dermatologists specialising in hair and nail conditions. They have a ‘Find a Specialist’ page on their website. BHNS members are made up of both private and NHS doctors. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list as not all dermatologists specialising in hair loss have chosen to be members of BHNS.
Do I have alopecia? How do I know if I have alopecia? Expand The word ‘alopecia’ simply means hair loss. If you are experiencing more hair loss than is normal for you, you are experiencing some type of alopecia. The next step is identifying which type of alopecia you have. We recommend you first speak to a GP. If your GP is unable to make a diagnosis, they may refer you to a dermatologist. You can read more about the different types of alopecia here. Please note, ‘alopecia’ is often used by doctors as an abbreviated way to discuss ‘alopecia areata’. This can be confusing when there are different types of alopecia too! If in any doubt as to what type of alopecia your GP is referring to, ask them to clarify.
Should I see a dermatologist? What can I expect from a dermatology appointment? Expand A dermatologist is a specialist in skin conditions, including conditions affecting hair and nails. A dermatologist should have more extensive knowledge about types of alopecia than a GP. They should be able to provide you with a diagnosis (if there is any doubt) and explain more about the condition and explain any treatment options available to you. It is likely the dermatologist will examine your scalp (and/or other areas of hair loss) and ask you questions about your hair loss to make a diagnosis. A biopsy (a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of body tissue from the affected area) is occasionally needed to make a diagnosis. Your dermatologist will tell you if this is required. In the majority of cases of hair loss, a diagnosis is possible without the need for a biopsy. Top Tip: Take a pen and paper to any appointment so you can make notes. It is easy to forget what is discussed. Or consider taking a friend or family member with you if you are struggling emotionally; it can be hard to take information in when we’re feeling upset. Please note, not all dermatologists have a good understanding of hair loss conditions. Dermatology covers a huge number of skin conditions and some dermatologists specialise on particular conditions e.g. psoriasis or skin cancer. It can be helpful to find a dermatologist who specialises in hair loss. You may find our 'How to get the most out of a dermatology appointment' page helpful.
Are people with alopecia areata more likely to have other autoimmune conditions? Expand If you have one autoimmune condition, you are more likely to develop another autoimmune condition. About 25% of people will have more than one autoimmune condition. In addition, it is more likely for those with autoimmune conditions to have close family members with autoimmune conditions. Other autoimmune conditions include: Coeliac Disease Crohn’s Disease Fibromyalgia Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Lupus Multiple Sclerosis Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis Vitiligo This is not an exhaustive list of autoimmune conditions.
Why does hair sometimes grow back white after alopecia areata? Expand When hair regrows after alopecia areata, it may appear white due to a lack of pigment-producing cells called ‘melanocytes’. In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss. When hair begins to regrow, the melanocytes may not fully function, resulting in white/colourless hair. It is understood that although melanocytes are present in the regrowing white hair follicle, the cells that will form the hair are initially unable to take up pigment from the melanocytes. Over time, the pigmentation may return to normal but for some people the hair may remain white. Unfortunately, we do not understand why some people regain hair colour and others do not.
Is alopecia areata caused by stress? Expand The exact cause of alopecia areata is not known. It is understood to be an autoimmune condition. Research evidence is limited, however scientists believe it is likely that there are a number of causes/triggers. It is unlikely to be the same trigger/cause for everyone. These triggers could be something from inside the body or something outside the body, or a combination of both. Stress is a commonly quoted cause of alopecia areata but there are lots of people who cannot link their alopecia areata to a stressful event or period of stress. This article from researcher Professor Kevin McElwee provides a comprehensive look at the possible causes of alopecia areata and is an interesting read for anyone wanting to understand more about potential triggers.
Is alopecia areata an autoimmune condition/disease Expand It is widely accepted by many researchers and clinicians that alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. However, not all experts believe that alopecia areata is always autoimmune in its nature. This is why we often say ‘understood to be autoimmune’. Our blog post, 'Is alopecia areata an autoimmune condition?' explores this question in greater detail.
Will my child inherit alopecia areata from me? Expand It is understandable that people with alopecia areata would have concerns about their children also having the condition. Alopecia areata is complex and it is not possible to predict whether or not your child will develop the condition. However, scientists believe that multiple factors (both genetic and in the environment) are needed in order to trigger the disease, not just simply family heredity. Most parents will not pass alopecia areata along to their children.
Is there a cure for alopecia areata? Expand At present, there is no cure for alopecia areata, although the hair may return without any treatment. There are different treatment options but none are guaranteed to work.
Can a few patches of alopecia areata lead to total hair loss? Expand Alopecia areata most typically displays as small round bald patches. This could be just one patch or a number of patches. When diagnosed with alopecia areata, it is easy to panic that all hair will fall out. However, it is worth noting that 80% of people with just a few patches of alopecia areata experience regrowth without treatment. Unfortunately, there is no way to determine whether someone will be in the 80% who will experience regrowth or the 20% who will continue to experience hair loss, either with continued patches or more extensive or total hair loss.
Is it normal to experience itchiness/soreness with alopecia? Expand Hair loss often occurs without any discomfort however some people can experience different sensations when hair falls out. As such it is hard to define what is ‘normal’. If you experience discomfort at the point of losing hair, such as feelings of itchiness, soreness, burning or aching, you are certainly not alone. When hair loss occurs, there is inflammation around the hair follicles. It is this inflammation that can cause discomfort. Some people with alopecia report similar sensations when their hair is growing back. Taking anti-inflammatories (such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen) or antihistamines (such as Piriton) might help to ease symptoms. Applying a cold or warm compress to the affected areas can also provide some relief. Discuss your symptoms with your GP and/or dermatologist as some physical symptoms are more typical of particular types of alopecia so it is helpful for your doctor to fully understand what symptoms you are experiencing.
Can you recommend a supplier for wigs, headwear or permanent make up? Expand We are regularly asked for recommendations for suppliers of products and services. It can be daunting when considering products and services relating to alopecia and exploring the various options available. Being a small national charity, it is not possible for us to know about all the businesses in the UK. There is a huge number of suppliers across the country and we cannot recommend one over another. It is for this reason that Alopecia UK developed its Service Directory, to help people affected by hair loss find businesses specialising in products and services relating to alopecia. Businesses pay a fee to be included in the Alopecia UK Service Directory. The fee covers the costs of maintaining the directory and supports the work of Alopecia UK. Alopecia UK provides this information as a resource only and does not in any way endorse the products or services being offered. You can find businesses relating to alopecia on the Alopecia UK Service Directory here. You are able to find recommendations from others affected by alopecia via the private ‘Alopecia UK Products & Services Chat Group’ on Facebook. Alopecia UK created this group to provide people with alopecia a safe space to discuss products and services, give and receive recommendations and share experiences with wigs, headwear, permanent make up and other products. You can join the Alopecia UK Products & Services Chat Group here.
What can I do to help my child with alopecia? What advice is available for parents of children with alopecia? Expand Having a child who is experiencing alopecia can be challenging, not just for the child but also parents (and the wider family). Parents are often able to resolve issues encountered by their child. Unfortunately, alopecia is not something that parents can ‘fix’. One of the main difficulties of experiencing alopecia can be the many, many questions you and your child will have and the few answers that exist. That is why Alopecia UK is here to help and looking through our website is a great place to start. We have created resources for parents to help guide you and your child. You can find our parents resources here. We also recommend taking a good look through all of the webpages in the ‘Children and Young People’ section of our website. We have lots of resources that can be helpful, including story booklets, animation videos and a Schools Pack that can help with any challenges your child may encounter in their school.
I have a job interview, but I normally don’t wear a wig. Should I wear a wig to the interview or present myself as I look day to day? Expand If you do not normally wear a wig day-to-day, you should not feel as though you should wear a wig for a job interview. If you normally have your alopecia visible to others, you should not feel the need to conceal your hair loss for a job interview. If you are nervous that your interviewer may misunderstand your hair loss, possibly assuming you are unwell and/or undergoing medical treatment, you could consider a brief mention about your alopecia either in the interview (or before the interview). Perhaps something along the lines of: “Just in case you were wondering about my appearance, I have no hair/I am missing some patches of hair because I have alopecia. It doesn’t affect my general health or my ability to do the job”. If it would be helpful to speak to others with alopecia and how they have navigated nerves about job interviews, consider joining our private Facebook group and asking for the experiences of others.