Alopecia areata is a chronic inflammatory non-scarring condition affecting the hair follicle that leads to hair loss ranging from small well defined patches to complete loss of all body hair. The severity of hair loss at presentation appears to be the strongest predictor of long-term outcome. Individuals with alopecia areata should be referred for dermatological advice if there is diagnostic uncertainty, they have extensive hair loss, they are suffering severe psychological distress or they would like a wig.