Hair loss is a profoundly challenging experience affecting millions worldwide, particularly for us, where hair often plays a significant role in our identity and social and cultural acceptance. Close to 50% of Black women experience hair loss, with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CA) being the most common diagnosis in about 15% of us, according to The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Hair loss can be a source of stress and anxiety and a significant blow to one’s self-esteem. While experiencing hair loss can be both unexpected and devastating, it can also be the beginning of a journey towards self-acceptance and newfound confidence. More and more Black women are finding renewed strength by embracing their hair loss and highlighting the beauty in baldness.
As we recognize National Hair Loss Awareness Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to raise awareness, share personal stories, and celebrate those who choose to go bald with style and grace.
No Losses, Only Lessons
So, you’ve noticed you’re experiencing some hair loss. What’s next?
Well, first of all, you’re not alone. Millions worldwide experience some form of hair loss, often accompanied by feelings of loss, anger, and insecurity. Notable women, like Interior Designer Sheila Bridges or US Representative Ayanna Pressley, have courageously shared their journeys with hair loss with the world. Still, some women have been boldly wearing their bald heads for years.
The Beauty Within
Sandra Dubose (right), “The Bald Beauty Queen,” is a Motivational Speaker, Coach, Singer, Actor, Voiceover Artist, and Author of the bestselling book My Crown and Glory: It’s Not About the Hair.
In 2011, Sandra was crowned Mrs. Black North Carolina 2011 and became the first Bald Beauty Queen. Crowning Mrs. Black, North Carolina, in 2011 was a defining moment in her journey.
“Being bald became a part of my brand,” she shares. I took back the negative sting and owned my beauty in a celebrated way. It became a symbol of pride, overcoming, and victory.”
Sandra’s journey of self-acceptance wasn’t an easy one. Sandra was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata at age 25. It took her eight years from the initial diagnosis of hair loss to move beyond hiding under wigs. “I was tired of hiding,” she admits. While Sandra shares that she also suffers from Cicatricial Alopecia, or Scarring Alopecia (which typically results in permanent hair loss), she remains bold and unapologetic about her journey of learning to accept her baldness and her mission to help others do the same. Her message extends far beyond hair loss, touching on universal themes of self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically. Her book ‘My Crown & Glory – It’s NOT About The Hair,’ is a powerful resource for anyone struggling with self-esteem.
What does National Hair Loss Month mean to you?
“This month is really about not just awareness of hair loss but an awareness of your power, an awareness of the choices that you do have, of how you decide to show up, and a deep, profound awareness of the truth and the depth of your beauty, which cannot be defined by whether or not you have hair or not; its bigger than that and you still own it. You’re still beautiful!”
Finding Joy in the Unexpected Journey
Some individuals take this experience as a time of experimentation and creativity. Many lean in wholeheartedly and instantly find their confidence soars from going bald. A certain freedom comes with saying so long goodbye to bad hair days and spending thousands of dollars on haircare products.
Then, there’s Kim Roxie (left), a Beauty Entrepreneur, Advisor, and advocate who has transformed her experience with alopecia into a mission to transform the beauty industry from the inside out. Kim Roxie is the Founder of LAMIK Beauty, a vegan makeup line made with natural and organic ingredients for multicultural women.
As a successful beauty entrepreneur, makeup artist, and esthetician, Kim Roxie was diagnosed with three forms of alopecia. With a specialty in brows, she began researching products that promote hair growth and use safe ingredients and realized that many products marketed to women of color are toxic. Kim started the LAMIK Beauty brand, which stands for Love and Beauty in Kindness, in a local mall in Houston. The brand had a cult following there for more than 14 years before she decided to close its doors.
Kim’s entrepreneurial journey is also profoundly personal. She created LAMIK as a tribute to her mother, who loved makeup dearly but was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I’m creating the makeup brand my Mom deserved,” the makeup maven proclaims.
Kim wanted to create a tech-enabled beauty brand, so she launched LAMIK.com nationally in March 2020. When the first Revelation Brow Duo was introduced, Kim did so with her bald head, sharing her alopecia story on national television and how it had impacted her eyebrows. Kim saw the overwhelming response and started hearing from others who were dealing with alopecia.
Her journey and confidence in ” living out loud” empower others to embrace their inner beauty. “People deal with acceptance; mentally, it can be stressful thinking about what your family or friends are going to say,” and this hair loss journey “can be draining and disturb your peace,” Kim adds. But self-acceptance is the key and can help you redefine your own definition of what beauty looks like for you.”
What insights would you share during National Hair Loss Month?
- Find a support group. Gather with others who have shared experiences to offer and receive emotional support, advice, and encouragement.
- Get a referral for a trusted Dermatologist – a specialist who can provide personalized, effective care.
- Do your research. Gather information and details before making personal care purchases.
- Get Involved. Follow and support organizations like the National Alopecia Areata Foundation to stay informed about new research and developments.
The Power of Community
As Roxie advises, joining a local support group has power. However, if you’re looking for a larger gathering, there’s no greater example of community than BaldieCon, a three-day empowerment (September 27- September 29) conference held in Atlanta, GA, that brings together women experiencing alopecia at all levels.
Inspired by Felicia Flores and her hair loss journey, BaldieCon is a celebration and an educational experience. It provides attendees with the knowledge and support they need to embrace their journey with alopecia while leaving them inspired and empowered. BaldieCon has evolved into a movement where positivity and good vibes reign supreme.
Hair loss can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define you. National Hair Loss Month is an opportunity to educate, empower, and celebrate the beauty that emerges after hair loss. Sharing stories and insights raises awareness, breaks the stigma, and creates a more inclusive community. Let’s continue to challenge beauty standards and help everyone feel confident and beautiful, with or without hair.
