Unfortunately, yes, the Jada Smith alopecia rumor is true. She documented her struggle in an episode of her show, Red Table Talk, alongside Willow Smith and her mother, Adrienne. The candid discussion had over 10 million views, and the comments from viewers confirmed that this condition affects many people.
She also updates her followers on Instagram, such as on this day when she showed them a bad line across her scalp.
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) states that over 6 million people in the United States have, will have, or have had it.
This stunning 51-year-old is just one of the celebrities with alopecia. You might have heard about Viola Davis, Lewis Hamilton, or Elon Musk’s hair loss. For someone to make fun of Jada at a high-profile event like the Oscars, we can only imagine the disparagement of ordinary people with alopecia.
For example, Rio Allred, a 12-year-old, committed suicide when schoolmates bullied her. Tragic! Jada told Rio’s story in the Red Table Talk episode above.
What Experts Say about Alopecia Areata
What causes alopecia?
The NIH says your immune system may cause this type of hair loss when it attacks your hair follicles. You notice a round patch where the hair follicles are under attack. Unlike other conditions that give you a dozen other symptoms, alopecia areata will only exhibit bald spots, and the rest of your body will be healthy.
The NIH notes that a pre-existing autoimmune disease may increase the risk of alopecia areata. Further, you might have a higher risk if it runs in the family.
Types of alopecia areata
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) lists the following types.
1. Alopecia areata
It appears as a patchy section on whichever body part it affects. It causes a bald patch. You can suffer from alopecia areata on your eyebrows, armpits, scalp, or beard, among other body parts.
2. Alopecia totalis
A person suffering from this type of alopecia goes bald.
3. Alopecia Universalis
This type is the extreme of the three, as you lose hair everywhere. Fortunately, this type is rare.
Is alopecia serious or not?
Given the impact it can have on your self-esteem, this hair loss can change your life. Worse, it can start at any age. Even without causing physical pain, the experience can affect your self-esteem and mental wellness.
Does your hair grow back with alopecia?
According to AAD, some people experience an episode of hair loss, and then it grows back. As Jada mentions in the Red Table Talk episode linked in this article, her condition comes and goes.
