A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies of Alopecia: Managing Identity and Appearance Changes

This systematic meta-synthesis of 22 qualitative studies, involving 990 individuals with alopecia, explores how they manage identity and appearance changes. Five main themes emerged: coming to terms with a changed identity, the journey to acceptance, complexities of concealing hair loss, social influences, and treatment experiences. The study highlights significant variation in how individuals adjust, with social reactions and personal interpretations playing crucial roles. Alopecia significantly affects identity, coping, and social interactions, often leading to dissatisfaction with healthcare. The review emphasizes the need for personalized, non-pharmacological interventions and greater co-production in healthcare to better support those with appearance-altering conditions.