Concerned about CCCA?
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia is one of the patterns we watch for most closely — here's what it is and how our investigation approaches it.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia — CCCA for short — is a recognized form of hair loss that most often affects women with textured or coily hair. It typically begins at the crown of the scalp and gradually spreads outward in a roughly circular pattern. Because it can progress slowly and quietly, it's often further along than expected by the time it's noticed.
We want to be direct about scope here: a medical diagnosis of CCCA requires a physician, typically supported by a scalp biopsy. What our practice offers is different — Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, PhD examines your scalp and hair history closely and may identify patterns that appear consistent with CCCA. These are investigative observations, not medical diagnoses, and they exist to help you take informed next steps, including a referral to a physician when that's the right move.
Our holistic trichology evaluations investigate potential contributors to hair and scalp concerns and complement the care of licensed healthcare professionals when medical evaluation or treatment is appropriate. For many clients, that means working with us on scalp wellness and lifestyle factors alongside a physician's medical care — not choosing one over the other.
Pattern recognition, explained plainly.
- Changes in scalp texture, shine, or symmetry near the crown
- Hair loss that spreads outward gradually over time
- Tenderness, itching, or subtle inflammation some clients report
- A history and lifestyle conversation to spot potential contributors
Frequently asked
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a recognized form of hair loss that typically begins at the crown and spreads outward. A physician provides medical diagnosis; our team identifies investigative patterns that may be consistent with it.
No. Diagnosing CCCA requires a physician, often with a scalp biopsy. Our practice identifies patterns consistent with CCCA as investigative observations and refers to a physician for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Because CCCA is a scarring process, earlier attention to changes in the scalp and hair pattern can matter. We help identify concerning patterns early and support the wellness side alongside medical care.
Read more on our Black hair loss specialist page, or explore our scalp analysis process and the research behind our approach.
The Hair Loss Detective™ provides comprehensive non-medical investigative trichology assessments focused on hair and scalp wellness. Based on your history, scalp examination, digital imaging and investigative findings, Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe may identify hair loss patterns that appear consistent with known forms of hair loss. These are investigative observations — not medical diagnoses. They guide your personalized Hair Recovery Blueprint™. Trichologist Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, PhD is a certified trichologist, not a physician; medical diagnosis and prescriptions sit outside our scope. Individual results vary.
Your hair loss has a reason.
Let's find it.
A few quiet minutes with Dr. Leola's team is where the guessing ends.
Begin Your Hair Investigation™