Reversal of Canities in a Patient With Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

December 2025 in “ JEADV Clinical Practice ”

Nicolò Rivetti

frontal fibrosing alopecia canities reversal hair repigmentation postmenopausal hairline recession eyebrow loss dermoscopic findings histopathological findings

TLDR A woman with hair loss condition experienced rare hair color return, suggesting it might help diagnose the condition.

This case report describes a 72-year-old woman with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) who experienced an unusual repigmentation of her previously white scalp hair. Despite refusing systemic hydroxychloroquine treatment and using only topical clobetasol, she observed a gradual darkening of her hair approximately 6-8 months after the onset of hairline recession. The phenomenon of hair repigmentation in FFA is rare and not well understood, potentially involving activation of residual melanocytes due to local inflammation. This case highlights the diagnostic relevance of hair repigmentation in FFA, particularly in postmenopausal women, and suggests the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms.