For Ashley Tisdale, a significant part of her life was marked by the diagnosis of alopecia. This autoimmune disease brought about changes in her haircare routine and her overall approach to her hair and scalp. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she shares her experiences and insights.

Discover Ashley Tisdale's Battle with Alopecia Areata

Diagnosis and Its Impact

The 39-year-old actress and singer was diagnosed with alopecia areata in her mid-20s. It all started when she noticed a bald spot in the front of her hairline during a visit to her colorist. This diagnosis led to a reevaluation of her relationship with her hair.Since then, Tisdale has become more cautious with her hair. She used to play with various colors, dye and bleach it frequently. But after the diagnosis, she has significantly reduced these activities. She has also stopped wearing extensions. "I really started just treating my hair better and basically knowing that I couldn't take it for granted," she emphasizes.

The Hardest Part of Alopecia Areata

According to Tisdale, the hardest part about alopecia areata is that there is currently no cure. It is an autoimmune disease, and once diagnosed, one is left wondering what to do next. "It's kind of scary, and there's the fact that you don't know when it's going to flare up, you don't know how big it's going to be," she adds.Everyone's journey with alopecia is different. For Tisdale, luckily, the spots where she experiences alopecia are areas that she can hide. Most of the time, it is stress-induced. She often experiences flare-ups when she is "pretty physically and emotionally stressed." For example, if she sees a bald spot, she realizes that she needs to calm down as she is likely too stressed at that moment. She has flare-ups every couple of years.

Partnership and Education

Tisdale's partnership with Pfizer and Litfulo, an FDA-approved pill for people 12 and older with severe alopecia areata, was an exciting one. Although she does not actively take the pill herself, it allows her to educate others about the options available after a diagnosis."It is nice to know that there is a treatment out there and there are options, because I felt like when I was diagnosed, I didn't know any options and I didn't know what to do about it," she says. "It is something that doesn't feel good, because, obviously, our hair is kind of everything, and when there's something like that happening, especially at young ages, it's really scary. But to know that you're not alone and there are options is great."Alopecia areata affects almost 7 million people in the United States and 160 million people globally. Tisdale's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder that there is hope and support available for those dealing with this condition.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Ashley Tisdale in November 2024.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagicAshley Tisdale in April 2024.Frank Micelotta/Disney via Getty