The Hair Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reconstructing Hair: an exploration of the experiences of children, young people and their parents before and after reconstructive hair transplantation
IRAS ID
248395
Contact name
Catherine Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edge Hill University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 14 days
Research summary
Alopecia (hair loss resulting in baldness / bald patches on the head) in children is not uncommon and is psychologically significantly disabling. Hair loss in children is an important complaint in dermatology clinics that accounts for 7.5% of pediatric cases. Individuals can experience different severities of hair loss including small circular patches on the scalp or body (alopecia areata), total hair loss from the scalp (alopecia totalis) or total scalp and body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
The research question this project asks is:
• What are the physical and psychosocial impacts of alopecia and hair transplant surgery on children and young people with alopecia both whilst waiting for surgery, and in the 12-24 months post first transplant?The overall aim of the study is to provide insight into the physical and psychosocial impact of alopecia and hair transplant surgery for children with alopecia. This study will be the first in the world to explore a cohort of approximately 10 children within a single children's hospital who are undergoing hair reconstruction. There are no supporting qualitative studies that have explored the impact of hair transplant surgery in children and young people. This study will make a substantial contribution to knowledge and aims to generate findings that will inform international practice. This study will use an innovative mixed methods design, including semi-structured interviews, diaries and scales.
The study will take part over 2.5 years and we will speak to the children up to four times.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0559
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion