6 Facts about Alopecia and a salute to UK Female MC Paigey Cakey

Stunning UK Rapper / Actress Paigey Cakey is a popular MC in the UK with catchy tracks such as 'Ex Boyfriend' and 'Boogie' making their moves on the UK scene in 2017.

Late last year we saw this talented and courageous UK Female MC drop one of her first ever video blogs on Youtube revealing to fans worldwide that she has been suffering from a common condition called alopecia (pronounced Allo-Pee-She-Uh), specifically traction alopecia in her case. 

Paigey revealed in this honest and humbling Youtube video diary that she had been desperately trying to keep the visual effects of the condition, which creates patches of hair loss and balding across the scalp, for the past 2-3 years. 

In her own words Paigey expressed that she had been 'hiding' the condition through fear of what people might think" but that she was ready to be honest with her fans with this brave forward movement.

Paigey Cakey describes in the video how an originally small bald patch had appeared in her hair after years and years of using various hair gels and pulling back her natural hair tightly into beautiful styles, tight weaves, cornrows, single plaits and braided styles. She described the bald patch growing, over the years into what it is today, showcasing in the video large areas of bald patching in her hair, where she announced that it no longer grows. Such a brave and bold move from a young star has to be commended and applauded.

Being an artist with a large and rapidly growing fanbase Paigey is constantly surrounded by cameras and fans who she mentioned were always complimenting her hair styles and, no doubt, wishing to be just like her. Paigey took the very brave and no-doubt inspiring move to come out and let the world know about her traction alopecia saying "its an insecurity literally that I have been hiding for a very long time".

Check out Paigey Cakey's first alopecia video diary at the end of this article.

SIX QUICK FACTS ABOUT ALOPECIA

1. What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a hair-loss condition which in most cases effects the scalp but can also effect other areas of the body where there is hair growth. It is an auto-immune condition where the immune system begins to attack the hair follicles resulting in hair loss.

2. How do you spot Alopecia ?
There are various signs and symptoms that could alert you to possibly having alopecia, which comes in many forms. 
In many cases one or a few small coin sized smooth, round and bare patches of hair loss / bald patches can be seen where you previously had hair growing. Another sign of the condition could be finding small clumps of hair in the shower or on your pillow. The size and shapes of the bald patches do vary from case to case with some cases being more severe and noticeable than others.

3. What are the most common causes?
There are many factors that are thought to cause this condition, although the cause of alopecia is not known. It is said to occur most often in people who have a family history of other auto-immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. 
Severe stress is also said to be a possible factor. 
A well-known common cause of alopecia is traction, styling the hair with tight ponytails, extensions or very tight braids. 
Harsh chemicals, relaxers and perms can also cause severe damage to the scalp such as burns. Scar tissue can consequently develop inside of the hair follicles resulting in permanent hair loss.

4. Can the hair grow back without treatment?
Alopecia has been described as being a very unpredictable condition. From case to case the condition can showcase extreme differences in its spread and in it's regression. 
Regrowth of hair within a few months has been reported in many cases of alopecia, so this is certainly possible.
Some hair can grow back very light/white and fine at first and then progress to thicken and have its original colour within a period of time. Other noted cases are a lot more advanced and less likely to grow back.

5. Is there a cure?
It is unfortunate to say that there is currently no known cure for alopecia. There are many suggested treatments available from GP's, naturalists and more. It is worth noting that alopecia does not completely stop your hair's ability to grow back.
Common treatments include corticosteroid ointments and creams which can be used alongside steriods being injected into the affected area in order to block the inflammation and release the hair follicles. 
Hair Transplants are becoming widely looked at also by alopecia sufferers like Paigey Cakey to aid re-growth. 
It should be noted that most treatments are suggested to assist in hair re-growth but are not said to actually prevent the re-occurrence of the condition. 

6. How do I prevent alopecia?
There are many ways suggested. If you know that you already suffer from alopecia areata or any other auto-immune disease then it is advised to stay away from stressful situations! 
It is said that stress can actually be fuel to the fire of inflammation. This potentially leading to more hair loss for alopecia sufferers. Activities such as meditation, exercise and similar stress relieving therapies have been said to be helpful and your diet can also have an impact. Alcohol consumption, smoking and a high sugar intake can all cause inflammation to occur or to flare. A diet without these things can therefore be of great help.

Paigey Cakey flew out to Istanbul, Turkey to have a hair transplant and it is here that she recorded her first video to showcase what alopecia has done to her hair over the years, why it happened and her first steps towards recovery and repair.

Check out the video below showing her video diary on the day of her Hair Transplant:

If you have any worries or concerns as to whether you have alopecia, you can easily be tested to determine whether this is a fact. You can book yourself in for a test analysis where you hair (and sometimes a scalp sample) can be taken by a doctor and examined under a microscope. Another way is blood tests which can test for specific conditions. If worried ask your GP for some advice.

Here is a video showcasing one of our favourite Paigey Cakey tracks to date "Boogie" - Paigey Cakey... We salute you!!!



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Article by: Crystal King UK, Founder of Beauty in Dubai