Understanding Hair Disorders: Clinical Challenges and Emerging Solutions

Hair and scalp disorders represent a diverse and clinically significant group of dermatological conditions with considerable medical, aesthetic, and psychosocial impact. They encompass both scarring and non-scarring alopecias, hair shaft abnormalities, and inflammatory scalp diseases. While often perceived as cosmetic issues, these conditions can profoundly affect self-image, mental health, and quality of life. Recent advances in molecular biology, immunology, and imaging techniques have significantly improved our understanding of hair follicle physiology and pathogenesis. This evolving knowledge has driven the development of targeted therapies and refined diagnostic strategies. However, many challenges remain in early recognition, individualized treatment, and addressing the psychological burden of hair disorders. An integrative and interdisciplinary approach is needed to better characterize these diseases and improve patient care.

This Research Topic aims to address the complex and multifactorial nature of hair and scalp disorders, bridging the gap between pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical management, and psychosocial outcomes. Despite ongoing progress, the field continues to face challenges in accurate diagnosis, optimal treatment strategies, and long-term disease monitoring. There is a pressing need for research that explores immune-mediated mechanisms, fibrotic transformation in scarring alopecias, hormonal regulation, and the potential for hair follicle regeneration.

Recent innovations—such as the use of trichoscopy, artificial intelligence in pattern recognition, biologics, JAK inhibitors, and regenerative techniques like PRP and stem cell therapies—have opened new therapeutic avenues. Additionally, the psychosocial burden of hair disorders is increasingly recognized, highlighting the importance of patient-centered outcomes and interdisciplinary care models.

By gathering cutting-edge research and expert perspectives, this collection seeks to promote a comprehensive understanding of hair disorders and foster translational approaches that can improve both clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

We welcome submissions that explore all aspects of hair and scalp disorders—from bench to bedside to lived experience. Manuscripts may include original research, systematic reviews, mini-reviews, case series, and perspectives. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Hair follicle biology and immunology
• Scarring and non-scarring alopecias
• Diagnostic innovations (e.g., trichoscopy, histopathology, imaging)
• Medical and surgical treatment strategies
• Regenerative and emerging therapies
• Psychodermatology and quality of life research
• Multidisciplinary models of care

This Research Topic encourages contributions from dermatologists, trichologists, researchers in immunology and stem cell biology, psychologists, and allied health professionals. Our goal is to create a platform for cross-disciplinary exchange and to highlight innovations that move the field forward—scientifically, clinically, and humanistically.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Hair Disorders, Alopecia, Hair Follicle Biology, Scarring Alopecia, Trichoscopy, Hair Restoration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.