The cause of FFA is unknown. It is thought that hormones may be partially responsible, as it typically affects post-menopausal women and can occur alongside genetic hair loss (also known as androgenetic or female pattern hair loss). However, blood tests for hormone levels don't usually show any abnormalities.

When a person has alopecia universalis, their hair follicles are still alive and able to regrow hair. In fact, some people may find that the condition goes away on its own after a few months or years. But in some cases, a person may experience permanent hair loss.

Propecia® (finasteride) This prescription oral medication lowers the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone in men that shrinks hair follicles. You take the medication daily to stop hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Results can take up to six months. Hair loss resumes when treatment stops.

Usually, frontal fibrosing alopecia is slowly progressive although it seems to be self-limiting in most cases after several years. The hair line recedes on average of 1.8-2.6 cm. As it is a scarring alopecia, hair does not regrow unless treatment is instituted early in the process.