Frontal fibrosing alopecia

Date Updated: 09/04/2020

Answer Section

Most women who experience hair loss notice a gradual broadening of the part in their hair (female-pattern hair loss). An increasingly common type of hair loss in older women is a receding hairline, called frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). It's a form of lichen planopilaris.

FFA causes scarring hair loss, which means it won't grow back. The eyebrows may begin losing hair before you notice the hairline receding. Men also can experience FFA, in which case the beard might thin as well as the hairline.

If you notice a pattern of hair loss typical of FFA, talk with your doctor. If you begin treatment early, you may be able to slow a receding hairline and prevent permanent baldness.