Autoimmune Disease & Hair Loss: What You Need to Know from a Twin Cities Trichologist
Are you noticing unusual hair thinning, excessive shedding, or sudden bald patches—and wondering what’s going on? Across the Minnesota and beyond, more people are facing unexpected hair changes linked to autoimmune disease.
What Is Autoimmune Disease, and How Does It Affect Hair?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues—including your hair follicles. In many cases, hair changes are one of the first visible signs of an autoimmune response.
This can look like:
Patchy bald spots
Overall thinning
Changes in texture or growth rate
Burning, itching, or tenderness of the scalp
Common Autoimmune Conditions That Can Impact Hair
1. Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune condition directly targets hair follicles, causing sudden, round patches of hair loss on the scalp or body. It can progress to total hair loss in severe cases (alopecia totalis or universalis).
2. Thyroid Disorders (Hashimoto’s, Graves’, Hypo- & Hyperthyroidism)
Thyroid imbalances—especially autoimmune types like Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism) and Graves’ (hyperthyroidism)—can lead to widespread thinning, slowed growth, dry or brittle strands, and loss of eyebrow hair. Even non-autoimmune hypo- or hyperthyroidism can disrupt the hair cycle, often causing diffuse shedding or texture changes over time.
3. Lupus (Systemic or Discoid)
Lupus can lead to both scarring and non-scarring types of hair loss. Discoid lupus, in particular, causes red, inflamed lesions on the scalp that may leave permanent hair loss.
Other conditions include lichen planopilaris, celiac disease, and psoriasis.
Is This Common?
Autoimmune diagnoses are on the rise worldwide, with some estimates showing annual increases of up to 12%. Factors like chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations, gut imbalances, and environmental exposures all contribute to immune system dysregulation. Women are disproportionately affected—accounting for nearly 80% of all autoimmune cases. For many, life transitions such as postpartum, perimenopause, or even post-COVID recovery can be the tipping point that triggers symptoms.
Creating a Hair Support Plan for an Autoimmune Diagnosis
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition—or you suspect one may be contributing to changes in your hair—now is the time to build a proactive support plan.
In many cases, medical providers may prioritize internal symptoms (as they should), but that doesn’t mean the emotional and physical impact of hair loss is any less valid. It’s okay to want support, answers, and a plan you can feel good about.
A comprehensive plan can include:
A professional scalp analysis to understand the pattern and type of hair loss
Nutrition and lifestyle support to reduce inflammation and strengthen follicles
Topical or internal therapies that address autoimmune-related imbalances
Ongoing monitoring to track progress and adjust your care plan as needed
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis like Hashimoto’s, lupus, or alopecia areata—or just starting to notice changes that feel "off"—you don’t have to wait for things to get worse. A trichologist can help support you at any time in your autoimmune disease journey.
Final Thoughts
Hair changes from autoimmune disease can feel confusing and deeply personal—but you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining it. Autoimmune-related hair changes are more common than ever, and the right support can make a huge difference in your confidence and stress levels.
If you're based in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding Twin Cities area, I invite you to book a personalized trichology session to better understand your hair and scalp health. Together, we can map a plan that can help you take charge in dealing with any hair changes you may face.
