Boston Celtics standout Jaylen Brown is expanding his narrative beyond the basketball court, teaming up with Nutrafol to openly address hair thinning. As he approaches his 30th birthday next year, the All-Star is leveraging his influence to shift how athletes and the public discuss hair loss, turning a personal challenge into a broader conversation.
Brown shared with PEOPLE that his hair issues emerged about one to two years ago. He first spotted excessive shedding after removing his braids and experimented with topical treatments like serums, but saw no improvement. Eventually, he opted to cut his hair short, yet the ongoing stress of being a key player for a title-contending team in Boston only worsened things. In a high-stakes environment where championships are the benchmark and anything short draws criticism, Brown has navigated intense pressure since his 2016 draft selection. After nearly a decade with the Celtics, he’s accustomed to the scrutiny, but acknowledges its subtle impacts on well-being.
Viral Incident Sparks a Shift
The spotlight intensified on October 24 during a matchup against the New York Knicks, when a hair product left visible residue on an opponent’s jersey—specifically Knicks forward OG Anunoby. The clip went viral online, but Brown didn’t notice it during the game. Upon realizing, he felt a fleeting embarrassment that quickly turned to resolve. Embracing the humor, he quipped that rivals should consider it an honor to sport the “residue of a champion.” Similar mishaps occurred in later games, but rather than shying away, Brown reframed the experience as motivation.
He views such setbacks as opportunities for growth, explaining that they can either crush one’s spirit or ignite greater focus and discipline. True to form, Brown chose the latter path. The widespread online chatter only fueled his drive, leading to a 40-point performance in the very next game. “When embarrassment, failure, loss—anything like that—happens, there’s two ways you can go,” Brown said. “It can be spirit-breaking, and you can go into a shell and hide, or you can use it as fuel to get more locked in and maximize your potential. I’m the second one. I’m going to level up every time. So when the world chimed in, it just motivated me more this season. It’s like I need that edge sometimes.”
Brown noted that hair products and enhancements are staples in barbershops, but his situation stood out due to the public nature of his profession. Few elite athletes face this under such intense scrutiny, and even fewer speak up about it—which is precisely why he decided to partner with Nutrafol instead of keeping quiet.
Opening Up to Normalize the Issue
At its core, Brown’s collaboration with Nutrafol stems from empathy. He recognizes how hair thinning can erode confidence, particularly for those lacking access to premium resources or mental health support. By going public, he aims to destigmatize the topic, especially among men.
Nutrafol’s chief medical advisor, Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, explained to PEOPLE that hair loss often results from a mix of factors, with stress playing a major role. High cortisol can interrupt hair growth cycles, causing delayed shedding that surfaces months later. Nutrafol tackles these underlying issues holistically, offering gender-specific supplements to promote healthier hair from within.
Brown has integrated Nutrafol into his daily regimen, alongside practices like red light therapy and intentional eating for recovery. He emphasizes the product’s straightforward, evidence-based approach, stressing that results come with consistent use. Beyond his own benefits, Brown sees this as a chance to foster open dialogues on hair loss and mental resilience. He even injected some levity, recalling a Twitch call to LeBron James post-incident and playfully mentioning a potential trip to Turkey for transplants.
As he enters his 30s, Brown views this as part of a fearless mindset. “I want to attack any fear, insecurity, or doubt head-on,” he said. “I don’t want it to have any space. If I’m afraid of something, I’m going after it. I’m stepping into my 30s without fear.”