Alopecia Areata is understood to be an autoimmune disorder that typically starts as one or more small, smooth bald patches on the scalp. The hair loss can remain as patchy hair loss or can continue until all hair on the scalp is lost (Alopecia Totalis or AT) or complete loss of hair from the body (Alopecia Universalis or AU). The immune system, the body’s natural defence which normally protects from viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Alopecia Areata can affect anyone although genetics can play a role and around 20% of people with alopecia areata will have a family member with the condition. This form of alopecia can develop very suddenly, often within a few days, and there is currently no cure.

To raise awareness about the condition, Guardian photographer Graeme Robertson would like to find people in the UK who are affected by Alopecia Areata to take part in a new Guardian photography project, supported by the leading hair loss charity, Alopecia UK.

Graeme himself is affected by this form of alopecia and wants to give a platform to other people who have the condition. He aims to show the impact of alopecia on daily life by photographing people and asking them to share their stories. Graeme has had to come to terms with his own experience, which has resulted in total hair loss, and he wants the project to empower others.

He said: “I feel nervous and excited about the project as it means so much to me and I’m totally committed to producing an amazing project with beautiful, powerful photography. If it helps one person then it will all be worth it.”

Graeme has been a photographer for more than 20 years, you can see some of his work here.

How to take part

If you have been affected by alopecia areata and would like to take part or find out more about the project, please share your details in the form below. The photographs and interviews in this project will be used both on Guardian online and in print.

If you are having problems seeing the form, please click here. You can read terms of service here.