When the premiere of the new family reality series The Braxtons hit screens in mid-2024, fans noticed something immediately striking. Towanda Braxton, long known for her ever-changing hairstyles and glamorous presence on Braxton Family Values, was rocking a completely smooth, shaved head. It wasn't just a style pivot.
People started asking questions. Was it for a role? Was it a fashion statement? Or was it something deeper? Honestly, the truth is a mix of heartbreaking family loyalty and a personal health battle she kept under wraps for a long time.
Basically, the answer to why is Towanda Braxton bald comes down to two major life events: a sisterly pact during a time of grief and a medical diagnosis called alopecia.
The Secret Battle with Alopecia
For years, Towanda dealt with hair loss in private. She recently admitted that she always felt her hair was "different." Growing up, she noticed weird cowlicks and a fluctuating hairline that didn't seem to behave like her sisters'.
She had an inkling it might be alopecia long before a doctor confirmed it. In various interviews, she described the "relief" of finally getting a professional diagnosis. It’s that weird feeling where you hate that you’re right about having a medical condition, but you’re just glad you aren't imagining things.
👉 See also: The Ruby O. Fee Feet Craze: Why Fans and Photographers Can't Stop Talking
Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system decides to attack the hair follicles, leading to patchy or total hair loss. It’s unpredictable. Sometimes it grows back; sometimes it doesn't.
For a celebrity whose image is constantly scrutinized, this was a massive weight to carry. She spent a long time hiding behind wigs and extensions. She even mentioned that she didn't want the world to know at first because she wasn't ready to let go of that part of her identity.
A Tribute to Traci Braxton
The physical act of shaving her head actually started as a tribute. When her sister Traci Braxton was battling esophageal cancer, the sisters decided to cut their hair in solidarity. Traci passed away in 2022, and that loss devastated the family.
Towanda's husband, Sean Hall, was the one who actually did the initial shave. She described the experience as deeply emotional and spiritual. It wasn't just about hair; it was about honoring her sister's journey and letting go of the physical "mask" she had been wearing.
Interestingly, Towanda kept using wigs after that initial shave for a while. She lived a double life—bald at home and in private, but "hair-ready" for the cameras. She wasn't quite ready to merge those two worlds until very recently.
🔗 Read more: Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen: What Most People Get Wrong
Why She’s Going Public Now
So, what changed? Why go public now?
Towanda has stated that she’s "wearing it loud and proud" because she wants to break the stigma. In the Black community, hair is often tied so closely to femininity and worth. By showing her patches and her bare scalp on The Braxtons, she’s essentially saying that hair doesn't define who she is.
She also mentioned the importance of knowing which type of alopecia you have. There are several versions:
- Alopecia Areata: Patchy loss often triggered by stress or genetics.
- Traction Alopecia: Caused by tight styles (braids/weaves) pulling on the roots.
- CCCA: Common in Black women, focusing on the crown of the head.
Towanda encourages others to see a dermatologist early. Finding out the specific type helps determine if the hair can actually grow back or if the focus should be on scalp health.
The New Look and a New Business
Being bald hasn't just changed her look; it's changed her business focus. She’s been working on a skin and scalp line specifically designed for people dealing with these issues. When you don't have hair to protect your scalp, the skin there becomes incredibly sensitive to the sun and environmental factors.
💡 You might also like: Kim Real Housewives of Atlanta: Why the "Tardy for the Party" Era Still Hits Different
Honestly, she looks amazing. There is a certain power in seeing a woman who has spent her life in the spotlight decide to stop hiding. She’s described the feeling of being bald as "freeing." No more glue, no more itchy wig caps, no more worrying if a patch is showing when the wind blows.
What You Should Do If You're Seeing Hair Loss
If you're noticing thinning or patches like Towanda did, don't just jump to conclusions or buy expensive "miracle" oils.
- See a Specialist: A dermatologist who specializes in hair loss (trichology) is non-negotiable. They need to biopsy or examine the scalp to see if the follicles are scarred.
- Check Your Stress: While not the only cause, stress is a massive trigger for autoimmune flare-ups.
- Evaluate Your Styles: If you’ve worn heavy extensions for decades, it might be time to give your scalp a multi-month break.
- Find Your Tribe: Like Towanda found support in her sisters and husband, talking about it takes away the shame.
Towanda’s journey reminds us that even the people who seem to have it all together are often fighting battles we can't see. She chose to turn her struggle into a platform for advocacy, proving that being "the responsible one" (as she was often called on her show) also means being the one to stand up and speak the truth about her health.