Understanding Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA): Hair Loss, My Personal Journey & Hair Replacement Options
Updated: Sep 25
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, commonly called FFA, is a form of scarring alopecia that primarily affects the front and sides of the hairline. Over time, inflammation can permanently damage the hair follicles, causing the hairline to gradually recede. Eyebrow thinning or loss can also occur.
FFA is most commonly diagnosed in women, particularly after menopause, although it can affect other individuals as well. Because it is a scarring form of alopecia, early evaluation by a dermatologist or other qualified medical provider is important.
Hair Loss in the Front or a Receding Hairline? It Could Be FFA
If you’ve noticed hair loss in the front of your scalp, thinning around your temples, or what appears to be a gradually receding hairline, you may not know the medical name for what you’re experiencing. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is one condition that can cause this type of hair loss.
This One Is Personal for Me
When I talk to women experiencing hair loss, I’m not speaking only as a licensed cosmetologist and hair replacement specialist. I understand hair loss personally.
I have experienced hair loss for several different reasons, including chemotherapy, hyperthyroidism, and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.
After losing my hair from chemotherapy, much of my hair eventually returned. But the Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia remained. The hair follicles along the front of my hairline were permanently affected, which means that area of my hair will not grow back.
Of all the types of hair loss I have personally experienced, FFA is the one that continues to be part of my everyday life.
That is one of the reasons I understand how important it is for a hair replacement system to do more than simply cover hair loss. I want mine to look natural, feel comfortable and allow me to live my life without constantly worrying about my hair. I want the same for the women I serve.
What Does Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Look Like?
FFA often causes a gradually receding hairline across the forehead and temples. Some people notice that their forehead appears larger as the hairline moves backward.
Other signs can include eyebrow thinning or loss, redness or inflammation around the hair follicles, itching or tenderness of the scalp, small bumps around the follicles, and thinning around the sides of the scalp.
Because several conditions can cause hair loss, a dermatologist should evaluate unexplained or progressive hair loss and determine the diagnosis.
Why Can FFA Hair Loss Become Permanent?
FFA is considered a scarring alopecia. Once a hair follicle has been permanently damaged and replaced by scar tissue, hair cannot simply regrow from that follicle.
Medical treatment may sometimes help control inflammation and slow further progression, which is why seeing a qualified medical provider as early as possible is important.
But when hair loss has already become permanent, that does not mean you are out of options.
This is where hair replacement can make an enormous difference.
Hair Replacement Options for Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
One thing I want women with FFA to know is that you have choices.
At D.D. Daughters Lace Wig Beautique, we work with different wig bases and construction methods because there is no single wig that is right for every woman experiencing hair loss.
Depending on your needs, lifestyle, scalp sensitivity and personal preferences, options can include frontal lace wigs, full lace wigs, medical-grade wigs, glueless wigs and polyurethane perimeter wigs.
For women with FFA in particular, polyurethane perimeter wigs are one of our most popular options. The polyurethane perimeter provides a different type of base around the hairline and can be an excellent option when frontal hair loss makes traditional attachment methods difficult.
We can also explore completely glueless options for women who do not want to use adhesive. I personally prefer glueless hair replacement, so I understand why many of my clients want security and a natural appearance without having to glue their unit down every day.
The goal is to find a base that works with your scalp, your degree of hair loss and your lifestyle.
For individuals experiencing medically related hair loss, a medical-grade wig or cranial prosthesis may also be an option.
At D.D. Daughters Lace Wig Beautique, we specialize in medical hair replacement and work with women experiencing alopecia, chemotherapy-related hair loss and other forms of medically related hair loss.
Depending on your insurance plan, you may also have benefits for a cranial prosthesis. Coverage varies by insurance company and individual plan, and appropriate medical documentation is generally required.
You Don’t Have to Figure Out the Wig Part Alone
I know firsthand what it feels like to look at your hairline and realize that some of the hair you once had may not be coming back.
But I also know what it feels like to put on the right hair replacement system and feel like yourself again.
That is why my consultations are not simply about selling someone a wig. We look at your hair loss, your needs, the type of base that may work best for you, whether you prefer glueless or another attachment method, and the hair replacement options available to help you achieve a natural result.
You can also visit our website to view some of our medical wig options, including polyurethane perimeter units and other specialized hair replacement systems.
Ready to Explore Your Hair Replacement Options?
If you are experiencing Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, alopecia, chemotherapy-related hair loss or another form of medical hair loss, schedule a medical wig consultation with D.D. Daughters Lace Wig Beautique.
We’ll help you explore hair replacement options designed around your hair loss, comfort and lifestyle.
D.D. Daughters Lace Wig Beautique
52 North York Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Hair loss may be part of your story. It does not have to determine how you feel when you look in the mirror.
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