August marks National Hair Loss Awareness Month, but for millions of women, especially women of color, the struggle is a year-round reality. From protective styles and postpartum shedding to overlooked causes like stress and birth control, hair loss can feel like a quiet battle no one talks about. But it doesn’t have to be.
Hair loss isn’t just a vanity issue but a health concern. With over 25 years of experience and more than 33,000 patients treated, board-certified hair restoration physician Dr. Alan J. Bauman is here to break down what works and what doesn't when it comes to keeping your strands strong. Whether you’re shedding a little more than usual, noticing patchiness, or dealing with textured hair care challenges, now is the time to get informed and take action.
Cue Dr. Alan J. Bauman, a board-certified hair restoration physician with a passion for turning fear into empowerment. With over 25 years in the field and more than 33,000 patients under his care, Dr. Bauman is an expert in both science-backed treatments and the emotional toll hair loss can take. Here, he answers the questions everyone is Googling. From how to spot the difference between normal shedding and a red flag, to the truth about biotin, and when to skip the DIY and see a specialist who understands your unique hair needs.
Glamour: What’s the difference between natural hair shedding and a more serious form of hair loss like traction alopecia or female pattern baldness?
Dr. Bauman: Natural hair shedding is part of the normal hair growth/resting cycle—most people lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day, which are replaced as other follicles enter their growth phase. This shedding is typically temporary and doesn’t lead to visible thinning.
More serious forms of hair loss, like traction alopecia or female (and male) pattern baldness, are progressive conditions. They involve follicle miniaturization or damage, which means the hair grows back thinner over tim or stops growing altogether.
Traction alopecia, in particular, is caused by repeated tension from tight hairstyles, extensions, wigs, and weaves. If not addressed early, it can lead to permanent follicle damage. The key difference? Shedding resolves on its own, but hair loss from underlying conditions requires targeted treatment to prevent progression.
Glamour: Why is early intervention critical for hair loss, especially in women of color who often wear protective styles?
Dr. Bauman: Early intervention is everything. Protective styles like braids, weaves, and locs can be helpful but when worn too tightly or for extended periods, they can cause traction alopecia.
For women of color, the signs of this type of damage are often hidden or dismissed until the hairline is already receding. Unfortunately, once follicles are scarred, the hair may not grow back. That’s why regular scalp checks and acting early at the first sign of breakage, thinning, or tenderness is so important.
Glamour: Which signs should never be ignored?
Dr. Bauman: Don’t ignore:
- A widening part
- Thinning at the edges or temples
- Bald spots or patchiness
- Excessive shedding (especially in the shower or on your pillow)
- Pain or sensitivity in the scalp
If you’re noticing these changes, especially if they persist, it’s time to take action. These can all point to underlying conditions that are easier to treat early on.
Glamour: Are there trusted at-home treatments that can help strengthen hair or reduce shedding before it becomes serious?
Dr. Bauman: Absolutely! There are several science-backed options:
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Devices like our TURBO LaserCap stimulate blood flow and strengthen follicles.
- Topical Solutions: Prescription or physician-formulated serums like PEPgro™ can support scalp health and reduce inflammation.
- Smart Hair Care: Avoid heat, harsh chemicals, and tight styles. Keep the scalp clean and well-hydrated.
But remember, these work best when guided by a diagnosis. Even the best product won’t help if it’s not right for your specific hair loss type.
Glamour: How effective are popular supplements like biotin or collagen for preventing hair loss?
Dr. Bauman: Biotin and collagen can support hair health, but they’re not cure-alls. Hair loss is complex as it’s often tied to hormonal shifts, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies—so a targeted approach works best.
At Bauman Medical, we offer medical-grade options like The HERO Super-Biotin (10,000 mcg per capsule) and The BUILDER Multi-Collagen Complex, which includes clinically studied peptides to support follicles, skin, and nails.
Supplements can be a great addition—but they need to be part of a broader, personalized plan.
Glamour: When is it time to stop trying DIY remedies and seek help from a specialist?
Dr. Bauman: Ideally, before you even start. A board-certified hair restoration physician or certified trichologist can help you get a proper diagnosis and baseline measurements. That way, you can track if treatments are working.
If you’ve tried OTC products or changed your routine for 3+ months with no improvement—or if you’re seeing sudden shedding, scalp pain, or visible thinning—it’s time to get professional help. Many causes of hair loss, like hormonal imbalance or scalp conditions, can’t be addressed by DIY alone.
Glamour: How can you find a hair loss specialist who understands textured hair and Black hair care needs?
Dr. Bauman: Look for a Board-Certified Hair Restoration Physician or Certified Trichologist with experience treating curly, coily, and tightly textured hair. Ask about their experience with traction alopecia, folliculitis, and how they protect the hairline during treatment.
At Bauman Medical, we have a certified trichologist on staff who works with patients of all backgrounds and hair types to create personalized, culturally respectful care plans.
Glamour: Do lifestyle factors like stress, birth control, and postpartum changes often get overlooked when discussing hair loss?
Dr. Bauman: Hair follicles are sensitive to hormonal and lifestyle shifts. Often-overlooked triggers include:
- Postpartum hormone drops
- Starting or stopping birth control
- Chronic stress or lack of sleep
- Crash dieting or nutritional deficiencies
These can cause telogen effluvium, a type of shedding that can take months to appear—and months to resolve. That’s why we take a full medical history and holistic approach when treating patients.
Glamour: What are some empowering things women can do right now to take control of their hair health?
Dr. Bauman: Tune into your hair and scalp. Track changes, take photos, and seek early expert input. Start with gentle hair care, solid nutrition, and stress reduction. Consider adding clinically proven treatments like:
- LLLT (laser therapy)
- Prescription topicals
- Regenerative medicine like PRP or exosomes
The most empowering thing? Don’t wait until you’re in crisis. Prevention and early treatment can preserve and even restore your hair.
Glamour: For women facing shame or fear around hair loss, what message would you like to leave them with?
Dr. Bauman: You’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Hair loss is common, but still surrounded by stigma. At Bauman Medical, we treat it as a medical condition, not a cosmetic flaw. No matter your age, background, or hair type, there are real, compassionate solutions available. The first step is reaching out. There’s strength in taking control and answers waiting for you.
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