Preference for Eyebrow or Scalp Hair Among Male and Female Patients with Alopecia Areata vs. Controls

Our hypothesis is that men will be more likely than women to prefer eyebrows, since men are generally not used to use make-up or tattooing for eyebrows, and that a shaved scalp is more acceptable for men.

Previous severe eyebrow involvement was also captured for alopecia areata patients since we also hypothesized that the true measurement of the impact of eyebrow loss is better captured with those who have already suffered eyebrow loss.

Patients with a previous diagnosis of severe AA, defined as a score greater than 50 using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT), were inquired if they had to choose between their scalp hair or their eyebrows, which they would prefer to keep. Patients (n=22) also reported age, sex, and if they had previous significant eyebrow loss. The same question was administered to a control group (n=53), 2023-24 dermatology residency applicants at Brown Dermatology as part of the residency interview.