Objective To investigate the effect of comprehensive nursing intervention based on Orem’s self-care theory on hair growth and quality of life in patients with alopecia areata. Methods A total of 56 patients with alopecia areata admitted to the Department of Dermatology of our hospital from January to December 2025 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into the control group and the study group by the random number table method, with 28 patients in each group. The control group received conventional nursing intervention, and the study group received comprehensive nursing intervention based on Orem’s self-care theory. The psychological status, hair growth and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results After intervention, the scores of anxiety, depression and stress in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of hair regeneration, new hair density, new hair thickness and new hair color in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of social entertainment, interpersonal relationship, daily activities, work and study, and psychological feeling in the study group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Comprehensive nursing intervention based on Orem’s self-care theory for patients with alopecia areata is helpful to improve patients’ psychological state, promote hair growth, and has positive signiffcance for promoting disease recovery and improving quality of life.