Managing Lupus Symptoms: Hair Loss

Hair loss can greatly affect a Lupus patients’ self confidence. In this article, learn what causes it, how to manage Lupus hair loss, and hair styles that can help hide hair loss.

What Causes Lupus Hair Loss?

Lupus can cause temporary hair loss due to inflammation or permanent hair loss due to discoid sores or lesions. Some medications used to treat Lupus, like immunosuppressants, can also cause hair loss. 

Related: Being Fabulous Despite Chronic Illness

How Can I Prevent and Manage Lupus Hair Loss?

There are a number of steps you can take to help manage hair loss:

• Avoid Lupus triggers, like sun exposure and high levels of stress
• If you believe your hair loss is a side effect of a medication, speak to your doctor about reducing your dose or switching medications
• Speak to your doctor about vitamins that aid hair growth, like biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron and zinc
• Take care of your hair by sleeping on a satin pillowcase, using a gentle shampoo, keeping your hair moisturized with conditioner, and avoiding things like coloring your hair, applying heat, brushing it too frequently or wearing tight hairstyles 
• Avoid over-the-counter hair loss treatments like Rogaine, which are designed for a different type of hair loss than what is caused by Lupus 

What Hairstyles Work Best For Hair Loss?

Hair loss can impact your self confidence, but there are many hairstyles you can rock to cope with hair loss.

• Wear a shorter haircut or speak to your hair stylist about styles that can conceal bald spots
• Wear cute accessories like headscarves, headbands or hats
• Try a variety of fun new looks with extensions and wigs 
• Embrace your hair loss — you don’t have to do anything at all to be beautiful 

You can also do other things to help you feel more beautiful, like practicing a skin care routine, wearing clothes that make you feel confident, accessorizing and getting manicures and pedicures.

Related: Selena Gomez & Rare Beauty: The Real Message Behind Her New Makeup Brand

Continue reading through the series on managing Lupus symptoms:
Joint pain
Fatigue
Fevers
Photosensitivity
Mouth and nose ulcers