Bristol Salon - Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

What is FFA?

FFA seems to be becoming increasingly common, as indeed are other auto-immune disorders, and we're seeing more cases of it at the Bristol studio.

Its main characteristics are inflamation at the hairline, which causes the hairline to gradually recede at the front and sides, coupled with a scarring of the scalp which has been left behind. This scarring means that the hair follicles are destroyed and are thus incapable of regrowth. While all kinds of hair loss can be emotionally devastating, the permanence of FFA makes this one of the most difficult conditions for women to cope with.

It wasn't recognised as a separate condition until the mid-1990s and medical research into it is still in the early stages. However for anyone who is at the early stages of this condition we do encourage you to see your doctor as treatment (usually steroids) can slow down the progression of the disease, although there is no cure and no way to reverse it. In some cases FFA seems to burn itself out and the hair line stabilises, but in others it continues for many years and in the worst cases it can result in the whole of the front half of the head becoming bare.

Disguising FFA

Many women turn to wigs, or sometimes toppers in the early stages. But these options can actually cause problems of their own. They're restrictive - you can't wear them at night, they need to be removed during sports, and you even have to be careful going about your daily life for fear of them coming loose. In many ways, they can trigger more stress and anxiety.

This short video shows the life changing hair transformations we offer our lovely clients!

Restoring the appearance of the hair line

Since 2014, we've been supporting women with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia across the Bristol, Bath and South West area with a better solution. The Intralace System is an alternative to wigs and toppers that disguises hair loss with natural, full coverage - without any of the restrictions of a typical wig. Details of how it works and the options available can be found on the Intralace page.

We can help no matter how severe your hair loss is or what stage it's at. When there is early stage receding the Intralace is integrated with your own hair through a fine breathable mesh, and it is worn 24/7. As the receding progresses then the front section may need to be fixed in place with medical grade tape. Our Natural hair line and possible side hair line extensions (if needed) are secured in the same way - providing you with a hairline that is practically undetectable and looks completely natural. You look your fabulous self no matter what happens with your natural hair.

At our Bristol studio, our full team is familiar with FFA, and will provide practical advice and a sympathetic, genuine understanding of what you're going through and how we can help you manage FFA effectively with gorgeous looking hair, and they will also instruct you in how to re-apply the tape when this becomes necessary.