My scalp was chemically burnt, I still have bald spots. 31 years old what are my options for a full head of hair again? (Photos)

Question

If my hair follicles are completely dead in the bald spots does this mean I can never have hair in these areas again? I used a texturizer on my natural african hair a year and 2 months after I had my third child. Could my hormones be responsible for the chemical reaction I experienced? I now wear wigs to cover up, as I don't have the courage to go outside without one. I am embarrassed with the way I look at 31 years. Please advice me on best way forward.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In  my opinion, you need to visit a hair loss expert. They will do a history, examination including microscopic examination and woods light, blood work and  possibly biopsy. it's important to be able to assess the status of the follicular units in order to determine if hair regrowth is possible. Should the follicles be absent, hair transplantation may be a viable option.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You would benefit tremendously from seeing a board certified dermatologist and by having a scalp biopsy. You likely have central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) and, in my opinion, any and all treatments should not be started until this diagnosis is either confirmed or ruled out by a dermatologist following proper techniques of scalp biopsy.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

You don't give a time frame- if it's only been a few weeks or months you might get some improvement; if it's been a year or longer you likely have permanent loss.  You can graft hair follicles into healed burn areas though the take won't be as good as grafting into healthy skin so you may need more than one procedure, or possibly micropigmentation after the first one.  Find a local hair restoration surgeon for an evaluation.

Dilan Fernando, MBBS · Answer

Hi there, 
I'm sorry to hear you are going through a tough time with your hair. If you hair has not regrown after 12 months following your burn you may benefit form a hair transplant to cover the areas of concern. I would suggest you see a hair loss specialist who can assess your history and scalp. All the best.

Arbella Sarkis, MD · Answer

We truly feel your anguish.
Certainly see a hair specialist. Scaring is difficult to overcome. It is likely some or most of the affected follicles are dead.
However, you might consider PRP therapy and possibly adding some extracellular matrix (ECM) prior to a transplant. The PRP will help regenerate what is possible and the ECM will help additionally with the scaring. Thus possibly being able to regain more hair.
You will likely need to be a bit more patient than the average person to overcome so much. That which does not return and will not cover easily will likely need to be transplanted. 
Using the PRP first may allow you to reduce the number of transplants and thus the cost. As well the ECM will certainly make the transplant areas a much more fertile area for transplants.  
Wishing you all the best and great success in finding a remedy to your situation.
Warmly,
Arbella Sarkis, MD

My scalp was chemically burnt, I still have bald spots. 31 years old what are my options for a full head of hair again? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Hair Loss following chemical burn

Answer: Hair Loss following chemical burn

Answer: Scared Scalp

Answer: Scared Scalp

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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My scalp was chemically burnt, I still have bald spots. 31 years old what are my options for a full head of hair again? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Hair Loss following chemical burn

Answer: Hair Loss following chemical burn

Answer: Scared Scalp

Answer: Scared Scalp

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.