The month of September is dedicated to creating awareness against Alopecia. 

According to www.webmd.com
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your hair to come out, often in clumps the size and shape of a quarter. The amount of hair loss is different in everyone.

Some people lose it only in a few spots. Others lose a lot. Sometimes, hair grows back but falls out again later. In others, hair grows back for good.

Actresses Gail Mabalane and Jada Pinkett-Smith have been vocal about their diagnosis with the condition which regarding Jada is what led to the infamous Oscar slap we won’t bother unpacking.

South African actress Gail Mabalane shared her struggle with Alopecia three years ago when she cut her hair. She recently shared a few tips about hair loss.(Gail has since grown her hair)

Speaking about the condition, the Blood and Water actress said Alopecia is way more prevalent than we think.

 According to Medical News Today Alopecia areata affects roughly around 147 million people worldwide and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, though most cases develop before the age of 30.

“From receding hairlines to bald patches to hair loss that starts in the middle of the head to scalp sensitivity. We women especially have just become so good at hiding it and suffering/fighting it in silence,” she said. 

“My wish is for everyone who is experiencing hair loss to know that you are not alone. I know that the experience comes with a ton of emotions. When we work through them, we come out stronger on the other side.”

The actress shared a few tips for those battling hair loss:

• Get help as soon as you see it.

• Don’t wait to consult a dermatologist because early detection and treatment can prevent permanent hair loss. 

• identify your tribe, people who can offer you emotional support, this can be an emotional journey, we don’t do it in secret 

• Find products that support your regrowth journey 
• Be conscious of what you put on your sculp and hair, as a lot of hair loss can be self inflicted 
• Despite what society has taught us, remember we are not our hair, our hair is a part of us, we are much more than that.

Gail and Jada aren’t the only famous celebrities that has suffered and opened up about their battle with Alopecia, the likes of Viola Davis and Naomi Campbell.