Jada Pinkett Smith has once again sparked conversations online as she shared recent photos showing hair regrowth, years after revealing her struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
In 2018, the actress opened up for the first time about her alopecia diagnosis, describing the shock of seeing her hair fall out in clumps. Speaking on her Facebook Watch show Red Table Talk, Jada said she eventually learned to embrace the condition by putting it into a “spiritual perspective.”
In 2021, she posted a candid video displaying a bald patch on her scalp. “Now, at this point, I can only laugh,” Jada said. “Y’all know I’ve been struggling with alopecia and just all of a sudden one day, look at this line right here… So I thought I’d just share it so y’all are not asking any questions.”
By 2023, Jada revealed signs of hair regrowth. Experts explain that regrowth is possible in certain forms of alopecia. While conditions like cicatricial alopecia cause permanent hair loss, types such as alopecia areata do not destroy hair follicles, allowing hair to grow back.
Jada documented her progress on social media, sharing side-by-side selfies that showed noticeable regrowth. “This here hair is act’n like it’s try’n a make a come back. Still have some trouble spots but — we’ll see,” she wrote.
This week, she posted another striking Instagram selfie. Her hair was styled in small, looped knots with two longer braids that appear to be extensions, drawing praise from fans for the look.
However, some social media users expressed skepticism, questioning whether she truly had alopecia. Comments included, “I just don’t feel like she ever had alopecia,” and “Sorry, not convinced she ever had alopecia.”
Licensed cosmetologist and hair trichologist Bria Larine addressed these misconceptions, explaining that hair regrowth is possible depending on the type of alopecia. “Some forms can grow back, some can’t, and some fall out and come right back. She can still have alopecia, it just depends on the type,” Larine wrote in response to the discussion online.
Jada Pinkett Smith’s journey highlights the complexities of alopecia, showing that hair loss and regrowth are not always linear and that recovery is possible with certain types of the condition.