Is Your Hair Loss From Lupus? What To Look For and Do

Lupus is an autoimmune illness that can lead to hair loss, among other problems. What stands out about lupus-related shedding is that it can show up in different ways. We’ll go over how to recognize hair loss linked to lupus and simple tips to manage it.

Key Takeaways

• Lupus can cause hair loss in scarring or non-scarring patterns.

• Discoid scalp lesions scar follicles and often lead to permanent localized hair loss.

• Systemic lupus often produces diffuse thinning and fragile strands that can regrow with treatment.

• Other conditions, medications, and stress can also trigger shedding similar to lupus.

What Lupus Is and How It Affects You

Lupus, or lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage. It can involve several organs and systems, including skin, joints, lungs, and kidneys. Lupus is chronic, so it lasts long term and needs ongoing care.

The disease flares and then calms down. Symptoms vary widely and can include sun sensitivity, fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and hair loss. Lupus is more common in women, especially African American women.

Symptoms of Lupus Related Hair Loss

Studies describe two main patterns of lupus alopecia: scarring and non-scarring.

1. Scarring Lupus Hair Loss Symptoms To Watch For

One pattern is “scarring alopecia,” most often tied to Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

Common signs include:

• Round, coin-like (discoid) patches

• Often on sun-exposed skin such as the scalp, neck, or hands

• Patches that are red, scaly, and often raised, which can scar

• Most people don’t develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

When discoid lesions involve the scalp, they often leave permanent hair loss in those areas.

2. Non Scarring Hair Loss Symptoms Linked to Lupus

People living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) commonly notice a non-scarring pattern of loss.

In men, non-scarring lupus hair loss often shows as:

• Slow thinning across the scalp that isn’t always permanent

• Diffuse shedding, often most visible at the frontal hairline

• Strands that look fragile, break easily, and seem shorter than usual

• Follicles shifting into a resting phase during periods of higher disease activity

This likely reflects the body saving energy for essential functions, with hair growth put on hold.

How Lupus Can Cause Hair Loss

Unfortunately, yes. Lupus is an inflammatory disease that can affect facial and scalp skin. Some people shed in clumps, while others have gradual thinning across the scalp. Brows, lashes, beards, and body hair can be involved too. With effective lupus treatment, hair usually grows back.

Some patients develop round scalp lesions. These discoid patches can cause permanent hair loss because they damage hair follicles. Lupus can also weaken the frontal hairline so strands pull out easily, sometimes called “lupus hair,” which looks ragged.

Hair loss may appear before lupus is diagnosed, so it can be an early clue. Still, many other issues can cause shedding, so speak with a clinician.

How To Tell If Your Hair Loss Is Related to Lupus

Shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is typical. Day-to-day changes happen and aren’t always a problem. If you notice larger amounts falling out, bring it up with your doctor. Plenty of other health conditions and triggers can thin hair. Common examples include:

Genetic Factors

The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, which runs in families. There’s no cure, but some treatments can slow it down. Women often see overall thinning, while men may go bald.

Chemical Damage

Some products and services contain harsh chemicals that break or shed hair. Bleach, dyes, relaxers, and perms can damage strands. Stopping the offending product usually fixes it.

Alopecia Areata Overview

Alopecia areata is a different autoimmune disease from lupus. Here, the body mistakes hair and follicles for invaders and attacks them, leading to bald spots. It’s often called spot baldness. Only 1–2% of cases involve the entire scalp.

Stress and Flares

Managing stress can help reduce shedding. Stress alone can trigger telogen effluvium, a scalp disorder where high stress pushes follicles into the resting (telogen) phase. Hairs then fall out a few months later. The condition is reversible once stress eases.

Medications That May Contribute to Hair Loss

Some lupus drugs list hair loss as a side effect. When the medicine is stopped, shedding often improves. The most frequent culprits include:

• Corticosteroids

• Immunosuppressants

Treatment Options To Manage Lupus Related Hair Loss

If you don’t have discoid lesions, lupus-related hair loss may grow back. Regrowth depends on controlling disease activity. Along with corticosteroids and an immunosuppressant, a doctor may add an antimalarial to help prevent flares.

You may also receive biologics, intravenous drugs used to ease lupus symptoms. For me, a short evening walk made sticking with meds feel easier. Follow your doctor’s plan and take your medication as directed. Remission can take weeks or months. In the meantime, here are ways to cope with hair loss:

Avoid Sun Exposure To Limit Flares

UV light can spark flares and trigger scalp discoid lesions. Protect your skin when outside. Wear a hat or apply sunscreen to exposed areas.

Consider Changing Your Medication Plan

If you think a medicine is contributing to shedding, talk with your doctor about alternatives or dose changes rather than stopping on your own.

Maintain a Balanced Diet for Hair Support

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may help slow loss. Ask your clinician about supplements that support hair strength. Vitamins for hair growth include biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and zinc.

Reduce Stress To Support Hair Regrowth

Some triggers can worsen flares and hair loss, and stress is one of them. Try exercise and mindfulness to lower stress levels. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep to limit stress-related shedding.

Advanced Hair Loss Treatments To Consider

If loss is severe or first-line options don’t work, your clinician may suggest immunosuppressants, biologics, PRP injections, low-level laser devices, or hair transplantation.

• Immunosuppressants temper an overactive immune response in lupus, easing scalp inflammation and helping protect follicles from further damage.

• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections use concentrated platelets from your blood to stimulate follicles and encourage growth.

• Low-level laser devices may boost cellular activity and blood flow in follicles, though stronger evidence is still needed.

• Hair transplantation moves healthy follicles from dense areas to sparse spots and can permanently restore hair in scarring alopecia.

Lifestyle Measures To Support Hair Health With Lupus

Medications matter, but daily habits and self-care also support hair when you’re managing lupus-related shedding:

• Stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or counseling can lower inflammation and offer support.

• Gentle scalp massage can improve circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to follicles.

• Use silk pillowcases, limit heat tools, and avoid tight styles to reduce breakage.

• Rule out other factors like thyroid disease or nutritional deficiencies, which can worsen shedding.

• Some caffeine shampoos may make your hair stronger and could help growth by blocking scalp DHT. Using one alongside other treatments may add a small boost.

Take Control: Build Your Hair-Care Routine This Week With Keyoma

It's easy to assume hair loss is "just stress," but with lupus, that's a mistake. The biggest error is waiting for clumps to fall out before acting. Instead, watch for subtle changes like increased shedding or a wider part. If you notice these early signs, then book a doctor's visit to discuss lupus and rule out other causes.

Don't panic, but don't delay. Early diagnosis and management are key to protecting your hair and overall health. For more step-by-step guides and fresh tips on managing hair health, visit the Keyoma Hair Care blog.