How Ashley Tisdale’s unexpected medical diagnosis revamped her wellness journey

First of all, what is alopecia areata?

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that causes sudden, patchy hair loss, primarily on the scalp, but can also affect the face and other parts of the body. This condition is actually very common, affecting 7 million people in the United States and 160 million people worldwide. The exact trigger for alopecia areata is unknown, as experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of the autoimmune condition. But what we do know is that alopecia areata causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the hair follicles, which causes inflammation and ultimately causes hair loss.

When Tisdale started noticing hair loss around her hairline, she knew it was time to talk to someone. “It’s quite unpleasant to look in the mirror and see the obvious difference. And when I saw more hair on my brush and in the shower drain, I realized I hadn’t imagined.” Tisdale tells Well+Good.

She first consulted a hair colorist, who recommended that Tisdale see a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin, nail, and hair health). Her diagnosis was made quickly with the addition of a dermatologist to her medical team, who helped her understand her condition and discuss treatment options.

Tisdale explains that finding out about her condition wasn’t easy. “The most difficult part about the diagnosis was understanding that alopecia areata is a very unpredictable autoimmune disease,” she says. “I’m not someone who likes the unpredictable!” But finding a diagnosis for her condition was an important first step for her to be proactive in her health journey.

Tisdale’s hair removal experience then and now

In the early years after her diagnosis, Tisdale said she kept her symptoms secret. “I wore hats and parted my hair to cover up my hair loss,” she said, adding that she also wore extensions and wigs for some of her acting roles. “I grew up as a performer, so I never wanted to show people what I was really going through,” she says. Working in an industry that values ​​appearance can make it difficult to be open about changes in your hair, or for that matter, changes in your physical features.

Tisdale also explained that her alopecia areata affected her self-esteem and made her worry that the hair loss would affect her ability to get the acting job she wanted. “My hair would get patchy sometimes when I was doing press work or when I had to appear on camera, and it made me feel insecure,” she says. Not only is her experience completely valid, the research agrees with her. Research shows that losing your hair can affect your confidence levels and cause you to lose control over your appearance and identity.

But as the years went by, she learned more about alopecia areata, worked closely with her dermatologist, and was able to rely on the support of her loved ones. All of this has helped her turn the page from a story of fear to one of empowerment. “I feel empowered to share my journey and hope I can encourage others to open up about what they’re going through,” she added. .

How she uses her platform to raise awareness

Earlier this year, Tisdale partnered with biopharmaceutical company Pfizer to spread awareness about alopecia areata and encourage people suffering from hair loss to contact a dermatologist to get the care they need. On June 23, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Pfizer’s Ritofluo (ritrecitinib), a once-daily pill to help treat severe alopecia areata in people 12 years of age and older.

Although Tisdale is not currently taking Litoflu or any other prescription treatments, the partnership with Pfizer will help educate others about alopecia areata and “help others[with this condition]feel less alone.” She explained that she was inspired by her desire to “make it known.” It’s their choice. ” Be aware that, like any medication, Litfulo is not suitable for everyone and may increase your risk of infections, heart-related problems, cancer, blood clots, and death. That’s why it’s important to discuss your options with your health care provider and only receive treatments that are safe for you and your health needs.

In addition to working with Pfizer, Tisdale used his platform to launch his own wellness brand, Frenshe. Frenshe is a community-based site dedicated to making wellness easy and accessible to everyone. “I started Frenshe to share my own health journey,” says Tisdale. “I always hope that Frenshe helps people find the health regimen that works for them.” Tisdale’s Being Frenshe line of wellness products, including candles, hair care, and fragrances, will also be available at Target and will be available in 2025. More goods are scheduled to appear.

What do these two ventures have in common? Tisdale’s passion for spreading knowledge about alopecia areata and empowering others to take control of their health. She encourages people who are struggling with hair loss to see a dermatologist for help. Getting diagnosed with any health condition can be scary at first, but getting answers can help you understand how to better live with your health condition.

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

Like many of us, Tisdale’s health routine is constantly evolving. Lately, she’s been focusing on giving her hair and overall health a little extra attention.

Tisdale announced on Instagram that she gave birth to her second child, Emerson Clover French, in September. Now being a mother of two young children has inspired me to simplify my routine and make time for my health. “I started paying more attention to the health of my hair so I could give it what it needed,” Tisdale says. Recently, she dyed her hair a darker color to get closer to her natural tone. She also says that doing weekly hair masks and embracing her natural texture (a trend we’re loving) keeps her hair hydrated and healthy. “I let the waves take me.”

In addition to hair care, she also incorporates self-care practices to keep her mind and body healthy. Her favorite things include meditation, Pilates, hiking, and making time for gratitude. But like other parents, Tisdale doesn’t always have time to donate to her health, so she feels it’s important to take just a few moments a day to pause. “Some days I only have 15 minutes to myself for a coffee break, and I really try to make those 15 minutes count.”