‘Be more kind’: Local woman discusses alopecia hair-loss impact

Brenda Williams was diagnosed with alopecia areata 20 years ago. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease causes partial- or total hair-loss. While some treatments can help regrow hair, it’s not a guarantee for everyone.

Williams says those treatments can also be expensive. While she has sought medical treatment in the past, she now prefers to focus on the things that give her confidence. Sometimes that means wearing hairpieces, other times she goes without one.

Some days Williams’ hair is the last thing she wants to worry about. That social pressure can be hard as a woman, but according to Williams having support from friends and family makes all the difference.

“I think people need to be more aware, just be more sensitive, be more kind,” Williams said. “You never know a person’s stroke. You never know what they are going through.”

Nearly 7 million people in U.S. have alopecia areata. Research suggests more women may be impacted by the condition than men.