Hair Transplant · Harley Street
Alopecia Areata
Patchy, autoimmune hair loss, and an honest explanation of what does and does not help.
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Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round, smooth patches of loss on the scalp or beard. It is different from pattern hair loss, and it can come and go unpredictably.
Because the follicles are usually not destroyed, hair often regrows on its own or with medical treatment. That also shapes what is, and is not, sensible to do.
Will hair grow back after alopecia areata?
In many people it does, sometimes spontaneously and sometimes with medical treatment aimed at calming the immune response. Because the pattern is unpredictable, the first step is a proper diagnosis rather than jumping to surgery. We can advise and, where appropriate, direct you to dermatology care.
Can I have a hair transplant for alopecia areata?
Usually not during active disease. Because alopecia areata is driven by the immune system, transplanted grafts can be attacked just like your own hair, so a transplant is generally not recommended while it is active. In selected stable cases, scalp micropigmentation may help camouflage the appearance. We give an honest assessment rather than operating unsuitably.
How is it different from pattern hair loss?
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition: the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles, causing sudden, well-defined round patches rather than the gradual, patterned thinning of male or female pattern loss. The follicles are usually not destroyed, which is why the hair can regrow, sometimes on its own.
Why is a transplant usually not the answer?
Because alopecia areata is active and unpredictable, transplanting into it risks the same immune process affecting the moved hair. For that reason a transplant is generally not recommended while the condition is active. Medical management to calm the condition comes first, and any surgical option is only considered in stable, burnt-out cases after specialist advice.
60-second estimate
How many grafts do you need?
Answer three quick questions for an indicative hair-loss stage and graft range, then get a free photo assessment from our surgeon.
Step 1 of 3
Who is this for?
Frequently asked questions
What causes alopecia areata?
It is an autoimmune condition: the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, causing patchy loss. Genetics and stress can play a part in triggering it. It is not caused by anything you did, and because the follicles usually survive, regrowth is possible.
Is alopecia areata permanent?
Often not. Many people see regrowth over months, though it can recur, and a minority have more extensive or lasting loss. Because the course varies so much, an accurate diagnosis and, where needed, dermatology input matter more than rushing into any procedure.
Does a hair transplant work for alopecia areata?
Generally no while the condition is active, because the immune system can attack transplanted hair too. We do not recommend surgery that is unlikely to hold. In stable, selected cases SMP can help the appearance, and we will tell you honestly what suits your situation.
Can alopecia areata come back after regrowth?
Yes. It tends to run an unpredictable course, and patches can recur even after full regrowth. That uncertainty is exactly why we assess it honestly and focus on managing the condition rather than promising a permanent surgical fix.
What can help alopecia areata?
Several medical approaches can encourage regrowth, and the right one depends on the extent and pattern. Where hair does not return, non-surgical options such as scalp micropigmentation can help the appearance. We talk through realistic options rather than overpromising.
Speak to our team
Every treatment begins with a free, no-obligation consultation at 19 Harley Street. We assess you in person and give honest advice on what suits you.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sumeyye Yuksel, MBBS · 24 July 2026