Hair-loss influencers may be helping to destigmatize the condition, according to an article published in The New York Times. Zeph Sanders, one such influencer, described his experiences with hair loss. Mr. Sanders noted that he was 20 years old when his hair first started thinning. As a video game livestreamer on the platform Twitch, he would wear a hat to conceal his hair. When he finally posted a video on the social media platform TikTok revealing his struggle with hair loss, users commented with hair regrowth solutions, which he began to trial through additional TikTok posts. After 1 year of posting hair-loss content, Mr. Sanders now uses his platform to spread messages of self-confidence and vulnerability to his followers. Another influencer, 26-year-old Angelica Iseghohi, began experiencing traction alopecia after having her hair tugged and braided throughout her childhood. Ms. Iseghohi started posting weekly updates and self-management videos using rosemary oil and has since gained thousands of followers.
However, some dermatologists have expressed concern over the new wave of hair-loss influencers, who receive financial backing and sales commissions to promote drugs, gels, serums, shampoos, devices, tools, and other products that may be ineffective. The dermatologists emphasized that only several agents—such as minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone—have demonstrated efficacy against hair loss. Other products that influencers tout the benefits of, such as rosemary oil, have shown limited evidence of hair regrowth and may cause side effects including skin irritation.
Other influencers, such as 24-year-old Chloe Bean, have learned to accept their hair loss. Ms. Bean was diagnosed with alopecia universalis at the age of 8, and after attempting a slew of treatments, shaved her head in college. Ms. Bean currently advises others experiencing hair loss as well as patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy on makeup, outfits, and wigs—and hopes to inspire patients with alopecia to find new meaning in life without hair.