Alopecia, Scarring & Traction Hair Loss
A diagnosis from your dermatologist tells you what's happening. Here's what each of these conditions means for restoration, and the cranial prosthesis path for each.
Alopecia Areata, Totalis & Universalis
Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss; totalis and universalis describe loss of all scalp or all body hair. Because the scalp itself is usually smooth and undamaged, a cranial prosthesis can often use a fuller, breathable base — but the fit still needs to be gentle enough for skin that may be more sensitive than it looks.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia replaces hair follicles with scar tissue, which means hair won't grow back in the affected areas and the scalp surface can be uneven or textured. Units for scarring alopecia are built around that topography specifically, so the base sits securely without pulling or irritating healed skin.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia comes from years of tension on the hairline and edges — often reversible early, but sometimes permanent along the perimeter. For clients here, that usually means a partial or edge-focused restoration rather than a full unit, built to blend seamlessly with the hair that remains.
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