New York: Scientists are investigating whether Botox, the brand name for botulinum toxin, can be used to treat the common cause of hair loss – alopecia areata.

The disease which can affect the scalp and parts of the body, affects adults and children and is the cause of sudden hair loss.

Patients suffering from the disease are to be given Botox injections in the scalp in a six-month trial at British Columbia University.

It is thought that Botox will work by blocking the action of neurotransmitters which will block the chemical reaction that attacks the hair follicles.