Louis Theroux has shared a health update with his social media followers. The documentary maker has been suffering from alopecia for several years. He first shared his diagnosis online in 2022.
The BBC star shared a lengthy statement to Instagram, explaining that he is preparing to make a change to his appearance. Louis shared a collection of selfies showing off his new short haircut.
He wrote: “Latest from Alopecia-land. I’ve cut the hair short because I realised the longer it was the worse it looked. But it’s patchy AF and I’m basically preparing the way for a full head shave some time in the next 12 months.
“Big glasses a la (Stanley) Tucci, big muscles a la Dwayne Johnson, plus a year round tan. That’s the formula. I’ve included a last photo from 1994 that I stumbled on yesterday as a reminder that the hair was always a problem. which I will have to worry about less and less as it disappears. It’s like when your house burns down. “At least I don’t have to hoover!”
The series of photos shows the documentarian showing off different angles of his hair, with some areas thinner than others. One photo was taken from a licence in 1994, which showed the star with a full set of hair.
Louis was supported in the comments after the brave admission. One comment said: “You are you.. with or without your hair. Your alopecia is NOT what you are known for.”
A second comment read “Alopecia is the wildest ride. But you’ve got this”, as a third follower wrote “Feel for you and respect for being so up front about it. My daughter’s flatmate has just been going through the same.”
Alopecia UK also left a supportive comment. The organisation wrote: “Great to see some lovely supportive comments from some fab individuals in the alopecia community. Whatever you decide to do @officiallouistheroux, you will still be the same brilliant journalist, documentarian, broadcaster and author.
“You got this, but get in touch if you need anything. (Same applies for anyone else in the comments who might need any information or support).”
In 2023, the star reached out to his social media followers for advice after losing a significant portion of his eyebrows. Several months later he took the plunge and tried a form of “temporary tattoo” to fill in his brows.
At the time, the 54-year-old said: “I’m happy to have my old face back, the new brows are neater and more shapely than my ‘real’ ones were.”
On their hair loss information page, the NHS says: “Losing hair can be upsetting. For many people, their hair is an important part of who they are.If your hair loss is causing you distress, your GP may be able to help you get some counselling.
“You may also benefit from joining a support group, or speaking to other people in the same situation on online forums. Find a support group near you on the Alopecia UK website.”
The GP may be able to tell you what’s causing your hair loss by looking at your hair. The NHS advice you should: “tell them if your hair loss is affecting your wellbeing, and ask what treatments are available.”