The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that people with alopecia areata typically lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. The exposed scalp appears small and round.  As a result of this disorder, your body views your hair follicles as an enemy. It occurs in people of all ages but is most common in children and young adults in their 20s. A mild case of alopecia areata is characterized by one or two coin-sized patches of baldness. For most people, this condition goes away after a few months.