Community Outreach for Hair Loss Education: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Hair loss disorders affect millions of individuals worldwide and are associated with psychosocial distress, including diminished self-worth, anxiety, and depression [1]. Despite the prevalence of alopecia, community knowledge about causes, management, and available resources remains limited, particularly among women and minority groups [2]. Educational outreach may help bridge these gaps, but few pilot studies have assessed the feasibility and impact of such efforts. We conducted a community-based educational event in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, designed to provide information about common hair loss conditions and available resources. The program included a presentation by a dermatology PGY-4, hair styling demonstrations by a hair stylist, remarks from a trichologist, and distribution of educational materials. Flyers were posted at local clinics, salons, and wig shops, and the event was open to the public. Twelve participants completed structured pre- and post-event surveys assessing demographics, knowledge of hair loss conditions, awareness of resources, and willingness to seek treatment. Subjects signed an informed consent waiver and survey responses were collected anonymously. The surveys included multiple-choice items and Likert-scale questions evaluating understanding of alopecia types (traction alopecia [TA], central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia [CCCA], alopecia areata [AA], and female pattern hair loss [FPHL]), understanding of personal hair loss, confidence in managing their condition, familiarity with community resources, and willingness to seek treatment. Participants' mean age was 30.5 years; 67% (8/12) identified as female and 33% (4/12) as male. Half (6/12) identified as non-Hispanic White, 42% (5/12) as non-Hispanic Black, and 8% (1/12) as Asian. Seventy-five percent (9/12) reported personally experiencing hair loss, while the remaining participants attended due to knowing someone affected by alopecia. Before the event, 42% (5/12) reported a clear understanding of hair loss conditions such as TA, CCCA, AA, and FPHL. Seventeen percent (2/12) endorsed a clear understanding of their personal condition, and 25% (3/12) reported confidence in navigating community resources prior to the event. Following the event, 67% (8/12) reported a clear understanding of general hair loss disorders, 59% (7/12) a stronger understanding of their own condition, and 67% (8/12) confidence in using community resources. In addition, 83% (10/12) stated they were more likely to seek treatment from healthcare professionals for the treatment of their hair loss condition because of the event. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of delivering community-based hair loss education and suggests positive short-term impacts on knowledge, empowerment, and treatment-seeking intentions. Limitations include the small sample size, immediate post-event measurement, and reliance on self-report. Nevertheless, these findings provide effect-size estimates and practical insights to inform larger studies. Future outreach efforts should consider incorporating objective knowledge assessments and longitudinal follow-up to evaluate knowledge retention and behavioral outcomes. Community-based educational interventions may represent a scalable approach to improving awareness of alopecia and encouraging timely engagement with treatment and resources. The authors have nothing to report. No use of Artificial Intelligence. Steven Feldman has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline/Stiefel, AbbVie, Janssen, Alovtech, vTv Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Samsung, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Amgen, Dermavant, Arcutis, Novartis, Novan, UCB, Helsinn, Sun Pharma, Almirall, Galderma, Leo Pharma, Mylan, Celgene, Ortho Dermatology, Menlo, Merck & Co, Qurient, Forte, Arena, Biocon, Accordant, Argenx, Sanofi, Regeneron, the National Biological Corporation, Caremark, Teladoc, BMS, Ono, Micreos, Eurofins, Informa, UpToDate and the National Psoriasis Foundation. He is founder and part owner of Causa Research and holds stock in Sensal Health. The other authors have no conflicts to disclose. Dr. McMichael has received research grants, royalties, and/or consulting support from a variety of companies, including Revian; Allergan; Almirall; Arcuits; Bioniz; Cassiopea; Concert Pharmaceuticals; Covance; eResearch Technology Inc.; Galderma; Incyte; Informa Healthcare; Johnson & Johnson; Keranetics; Lilly; Merck & Co Inc.; Pfizer; Proctor & Gamble; Samumed; and UpToDate. Authors Ruley, Majid, and Taylor have no conflicts of interest to declare. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.