Quick answer: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. The most common types are alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes round, patchy hair loss), androgenetic alopecia (gradual pattern thinning at the part or crown), traction alopecia (from tight hairstyles) and telogen effluvium (temporary shedding after stress, illness or childbirth). A dermatologist can diagnose the cause and discuss treatment. To restore your look, hair toppers suit thinning at the part or crown, and wigs suit widespread or total hair loss. Wigs for hair loss caused by disease or medical treatment are an eligible medical expense in Canada.
Types of alopecia
| Type | What it looks like | Common hair solution |
|---|---|---|
| Alopecia areata | Round, coin-sized bald patches; hair may regrow and fall out again | Topper or wig, depending on how much hair is lost |
| Alopecia totalis | Loss of all hair on the scalp | Full wig, often with a soft monofilament or lace cap |
| Alopecia universalis | Loss of all hair on the scalp and body | Full wig |
| Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) | Gradual thinning at the part or crown; widening part in women | Hair topper; wig if thinning is extensive |
| Traction alopecia | Thinning at the hairline or temples from tight styles | Topper, bangs or a glueless wig that avoids tension |
| Telogen effluvium | Sudden overall shedding, usually temporary | Topper or synthetic wig while hair recovers |
| Chemotherapy-induced | Widespread loss a few weeks after treatment starts, usually temporary | Synthetic or human hair wig |
What is alopecia areata?
With alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out, often in clumps about the size of a quarter. It affects both men and women, and every case is different: some people lose hair in a few spots, others lose much more. Hair may grow back and fall out again later, or grow back for good. In rare cases, people lose all the hair on their scalp (alopecia totalis) or body (alopecia universalis).
When should I see a doctor?
See your family doctor or a dermatologist if you notice bald patches, sudden heavy shedding, a rapidly widening part, or scalp pain, redness or scaling. Several types of alopecia respond to treatment, and an early diagnosis helps.
Wig and topper options for alopecia
Losing your hair can be a shock, and it's normal to feel self-conscious. Our alopecia and medical wigs are designed to look as if the hair is growing from your scalp, and they fit securely and comfortably.
- Hair toppers clip onto your existing hair to cover thinning at the part or crown. See hair toppers.
- Human hair wigs are the most natural choice for long-term or permanent hair loss and last 1–3+ years.
- Synthetic wigs are lighter on the budget and easy to care for, especially while you wait to see whether hair regrows.
- Custom wigs can recreate your natural hair before hair loss, or give you a completely new look.
- Soft caps such as monofilament and lace are gentler on a sensitive or bare scalp.
Is an alopecia wig covered by insurance?
OHIP doesn't cover wigs, but many private and workplace benefit plans reimburse a "hair prosthesis" with a doctor's prescription. Wigs for people with abnormal hair loss due to disease, medical treatment or an accident are also an eligible medical expense on your Canadian tax return. Details are in our medical wig guide.
See wig prices in Toronto and human hair vs synthetic wigs. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with a wig specialist at 223 Davenport Rd, Toronto, or virtually.
Frequently asked questions
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. It has several types, including alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia and telogen effluvium.
Does hair grow back with alopecia areata?
Often, yes. Hair may regrow on its own, though it can fall out again later. A dermatologist can advise on treatment.
What is the best wig for alopecia?
For long-term or total hair loss, a human hair wig with a soft monofilament or lace cap is the most natural and comfortable. For partial thinning, a hair topper may be enough.
Can a hair topper cover alopecia?
Yes, for thinning or patches at the part or crown. Widespread or total hair loss usually needs a full wig.
Are alopecia wigs tax-deductible in Canada?
Wigs for abnormal hair loss caused by disease, medical treatment or an accident are an eligible medical expense under the CRA medical expense tax credit.
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