How Ashley Tisdale’s unexpected health diagnosis reshaped her wellness journey

What is alopecia areata anyway?

alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes sudden and irregular hair loss – mostly on the scalp, but can also affect the face and other parts of the body. This condition is actually quite common and affects 7 million people in the US and 160 million people worldwideExperts believe it is unclear what exactly causes alopecia areata. Combination of genetic and environmental factors May contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions. But, what we do know is that alopecia areata causes your immune system To accidentally attack your hair folliclesWhich causes swelling and eventually hair loss.

Tisdale knew it was time to talk to someone when she started losing some hair on her hairline. “It’s very disturbing to look in the mirror and see a noticeable difference, and when I noticed more hair on my brush and in the shower drain, I knew I wasn’t imagining things,” Tisdale tells Well+Good. “

She first talked to her hair colorist, who encouraged Tisdale to see a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin, nail, and hair health). Her diagnosis soon led to the addition of a dermatologist to her health care team, who helped her understand the condition and discuss treatment options.

Tisdale says learning about her condition wasn’t easy. “The hardest thing about the diagnosis was understanding that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that can be really unpredictable,” she says. “I’m not one of those people who likes unpredictability!” But, finding a diagnosis for her symptoms was an important first step toward being proactive in her health journey.

Tisdale’s experiences with hair loss, then and now

In the early years after her diagnosis, Tisdale told Us that she kept her condition private. “I’ll wear a hat or do a side parting to hide my receding hairline.” She also reveals that she wore extensions or wigs in some of her acting roles. “I grew up as an artist and I always didn’t want to show everyone what I was really experiencing,” she shares. Working in an industry that places so much importance on your appearance, it can be difficult to talk openly about changes in your hair or any physical feature.

Tisdale also revealed that alopecia areata affected her Self respect And she became concerned that her hair loss would affect her ability to pursue her desired acting career. “Many times while doing press or in front of the camera, my hair would become untidy and it made me feel less confident,” she says. Not only are their experiences completely valid, but research also agrees with them. studies Show that losing your hair can affect your confidence levels and lead to a lack of control over your appearance and identity.

But as the years passed, she learned more about alopecia areata, worked closely with her dermatologist, and leaned on her loved ones for support — all of which helped transform her story from one of fear to one of empowerment. Have helped. She adds, “I’ve felt empowered to share my journey and hope I can encourage others to open up about what they’re experiencing.”

How she’s using her platform to raise awareness

Earlier this year, Tisdale partnered with biopharmaceutical company, PfizerSpreading awareness about alopecia areata and encouraging people who are struggling with hair loss to visit a dermatologist to get the care they need. on 23 June 2023 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approved Pfizer’s Litfulo (ritalcitinib)A daily pill that can help treat severe alopecia areata in people age 12 and older.

While Tisdale is not taking litfulo Or any other prescription treatments at this time, she explains that her partnership with Pfizer was motivated by her desire to educate others about alopecia areata and to make sure that “other people[with this condition]Don’t feel alone and know your options.” It’s worth noting that like any other medicine, Litulfo is not for everyone and it may increase your risk of infection, cardiovascular issues, cancer, blood clots, and death. It is therefore important that you talk to your healthcare provider about your options and only seek treatment that is safe for you and your health needs.

In addition to working with Pfizer, Tisdale has also used her platform to create her own wellness brand. FrenchayA community-based site dedicated to simplifying wellness and making it accessible to all. “I started Frenchy to share my own wellness journey,” says Tisdale. “I always hope that Frenchy will help people find a version of wellness that works for them.” Tisdale’s wellness products, such as candles, hair care and fragrances to be french The line is also available for purchase Target-And there’s more goodness to come in 2025.

What do these two enterprises have in common? Tisdale’s passion is to spread knowledge about alopecia areata and empower others to take ownership of their health. She urges people who are struggling with hair loss to reach out to a dermatologist for help. Receiving a diagnosis of any health condition can be scary at first, but getting answers can help you understand how to live with it.

Take a closer look at her hair care and self-care routine

Like many of us, Tisdale’s health routine is always evolving. Lately, she’s been focusing on giving her hair and her overall health some perks.

Tisdale revealed Instagram She gave birth to her second child, Emerson Clover French, in September. Now being a mother of two small children, she has been inspired to simplify her daily routine and also take time out for her health. “I’m paying more attention to the health of my hair so I can give it what it needs,” says Tisdale. Recently, she dyed her hair a darker shade to match her natural shade. Took. She also tells Us Weekly hair mask and embracing its natural form (a trend Which we *love*) keeps hair moisturized and healthy. “I’m letting my waves do their thing.”

Besides hair care, she incorporates other self-care practices that keep her mind and body healthy. Some of his favorites include Attention, pilates, hikingAnd making time for it ThankfulnessBut like any other parent, Tisdale doesn’t always have extra time to donate to wellness, so she finds it important to take time out in the day to just stop, too. “There are days when I only have 15 minutes for a coffee break, but I’m really going to make those 15 minutes count.”