Alopecia Awareness Day Austria: A day that opens up new perspectives

As part of the international “Alopecia Awareness Month” in September, the first Alopecia Awareness Day Austria offers an effective platform for exchange, networking and empowerment of people with hair loss.

As early as 12 noon, the picturesque location was filled with a diverse group of participants. Some wore wigs, others proudly showed off their bald heads – but the most important accessory of the day was the smile and the closed atmosphere. In a relaxed mood, intensive discussions and inspiring encounters took place, creating new friendships and networks.

“It was important for me to become visible”

The founders of the Austrian Hair Loss Association, including Janin Baumann, who has suffered from alopecia since childhood, presented their vision and invited people to join. Janin, who lost her hair at the age of eight, felt like an “oddball” at the time because it was immediately obvious that something was different about her.

“The wigs 30 years ago were terrible and all the facial hair was missing. Everyone thought I had cancer. “That was a much harder road,” she explained. Her personal battle began with taking cortisone at the age of 14, which initially led to hair growth but later also caused severe bone problems and renewed hair loss. This setback was the turning point for Janin when she decided to make her experience public. “I started doing public relations work about alopecia and even modeling while bald. It was important for me to become visible.”

“Such meetings were long overdue in Austria”

The official start of the day is at 1 p.m. It was already clear that this day would be a turning point in the Austrian alopecia community. Janin particularly remembered the first personal meeting with the other founders, who had only communicated via WhatsApp and Facetime until then. “It was so nice to finally meet in person and see that something great was being created.” An association and such meetings were long overdue in Austria.”

The highlight of the day was not only the first meeting of the founders, but also the insightful talk by Peter Fuchs about the hair cycle. “It was particularly interesting to learn that a hair cycle lasts about three months. “If you suddenly start to lose your hair, you can ask yourself what happened three months ago – perhaps a traumatic experience, a bereavement or an operation?” explains Janin.

“Different is not wrong, but a different form of right”

The event not only raises awareness of hair loss of all kinds, but also boosts the self-confidence of those affected. “We got the message across: different is not wrong, but a different form of right.” “It’s not what you have on your head that counts, but what you have in your head,” Janin emphasised.

The date for the next Alopecia Awareness Day has already been announced: On September 27, 2025, the Austrian alopecia community will come together again to celebrate this special day. Until then, smaller meetings will take place in the various federal states to continue to promote exchange and support. Janin is optimistic about the future: “Our goal is to grow by 2025 and to find a contact person for each federal state.” We are also planning to organize an event with around 100 participants and to move to a larger location by 2026.”