Lupus Hair Loss: What Causes It and How to Manage It

If you have lupus and notice more hair on your pillow or in the shower, you’re not alone. Hair loss is a common lupus symptom, and it can feel scary because it shows up on the surface of a disease that’s usually hidden inside your body.

First thing to know: lupus attacks your immune system, and that attack can turn toward your hair follicles. When the immune cells start bombarding the follicles, they shrink or stop working, and hair falls out. This type of loss is called alopecia, and it can be patchy or spread across the whole scalp.

Stress, fever, and medications used to control lupus can also push hair out. So if you’ve just started a new drug or had a flare‑up, the timing might line up with the shedding. Knowing the trigger helps you talk to your doctor about options that won’t make the problem worse.

Why Lupus Leads to Hair Loss

There are three main reasons lupus makes hair disappear:

• Inflammation of the scalp – The immune system creates inflammation that damages the tiny structures that grow hair.
• Hormonal changes – Lupus can mess with hormones like cortisol, which can push hair into a resting phase.
• Medication side effects – Drugs such as cyclophosphamide or high‑dose steroids sometimes cause temporary shedding.

When you feel the scalp itching, burning, or see red patches, that’s a sign the inflammation is active. Catching it early and treating the flare can limit how much hair you lose.

Tips to Reduce Hair Loss and Encourage Regrowth

Here are practical steps you can start right now:

1. Keep the scalp clean but gentle. Use a mild shampoo, avoid harsh chemicals, and skip tight ponytails that pull on the roots.
2. Control lupus flares. Stick to the treatment plan your rheumatologist gave you. Lower disease activity means less inflammation on the scalp.
3. Watch your diet. Foods rich in omega‑3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts) and iron (spinach, beans) support healthy hair follicles.
4. Consider supplements. Vitamin D, biotin, and zinc have been shown to help some people with lupus‑related hair loss. Talk to your doctor before adding any.
5. Stress management. Meditation, short walks, or breathing exercises keep cortisol levels in check, which can keep hair follicles from entering a resting state.
6. Talk about medication tweaks. If steroids are causing shedding, your doctor might switch you to a different immunosuppressant that’s gentler on hair.
7. Topical options. Over‑the‑counter minoxidil can stimulate regrowth for many, but use it only after getting clear approval from your healthcare team.

Remember, hair regrowth takes time. Most people notice new growth after three to six months of steady care. Tracking your progress with photos can help you see small improvements that feel big.

If hair loss suddenly worsens, spreads quickly, or you develop sores on the scalp, contact your doctor right away. Those could be signs of a secondary infection or a new lupus complication that needs prompt treatment.

Living with lupus means you’ll face a few surprises, and hair loss is just one of them. By understanding why it happens and using these everyday tips, you can keep the shedding under control and give your hair the best chance to bounce back.