Common Myths About Alopecia — And the Truths Behind Them

Alopecia is often misunderstood. Some people think it’s caused by stress alone, or that it’s contagious — neither of which is

true. In this post, I’ll break down the most common myths and share the real facts everyone should know.

Myth 1: Alopecia is caused by stress.While stress can sometimes trigger hair loss, alopecia is primarily an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own hair follicles. It's not caused by simply having a rough week!

Myth 2: Alopecia is contagious.Absolutely false. You can’t "catch" alopecia by being near someone who has it. It's not a virus or bacteria — it’s a condition based on genetics and immune response.

Myth 3: Only older people get alopecia. Alopecia can affect anyone — children, teens, adults, and seniors. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or ethnicity.

Myth 4: There’s nothing you can do. While there is no guaranteed cure yet, treatments like corticosteroid injections, topical treatments, and new medications can sometimes promote hair regrowth. Supportive therapies, like mindfulness and counseling, can also make a big difference.