20 Oct Psychological Impact of Hair Loss
Hair loss is not only a physical issue; it can also have a significant psychological and mental impact. This impact may be more obvious for women but the effects on men should not be underestimated. Hair loss can result in withdrawal, anxiety, and depression.
Research has been undertaken to more clearly understand the psychological impact of hair loss. This research can overcome sufferers recognize the emotions they may experience and treatment protocol. The research has also demonstrated that there are several common reactions to hair loss. These include:
• Panic
Hair loss in men commonly triggers masculinity issues. Hair has historically, in most cultures, been associated with strength and manliness. As hair loss can cause a drastic change in one’s appearance, it is not surprising that worrying questions arise. Will I still be attractive to others? Will I look older than I am? Will this affect my job prospects? Will my friends laugh at me? These valid concerns can result in feelings of fear and panic at the prospect of hair loss.
• Denial
Some men may find it difficult to admit they are losing their hair, even to themselves. One manifestation of this is men going to great lengths to hide hair loss. A classic example of this reluctance to admit there is a problem is a comb-over. It is not unheard of for a husband to keep his hair loss a secret, even from his wife. This unwillingness to come to terms with hair loss can lead to poor treatment choices.
• Shyness
Taunting or teasing from friends and colleagues about hair loss can lead to feelings of humiliation. How to deal with such comments can be a real problem. You may feel that if you react at all, it will show that you care about your hair and this may be perceived as vanity and result in further and more severe teasing.
• Low self-esteem
Physical beauty is one of the cornerstones of self-esteem and it is one of the most vulnerable. The self-esteem levels and other measures of self-worth drop significantly when hair loss occurs.
• Work-related problems
Hair loss may affect someone who is in front of the camera or who needs to be in the public in a very devastating way professionally.
• Jealousy
Unsurprisingly, men experiencing hair loss may be jealous of their friends who have full heads of hair.
• Isolation
Even though hair loss in men is very common, men report that they feel isolated and alone in the experience. Traditional models of male behavior still deem the sharing of feelings and worries as “unmanly”. That is, being open about your feelings is perceived as a sign of weakness.
• Negative effects on social life
Hair plays a very important role in our social lives. Upon meeting someone, one of the first things you notice is their hair. Before a social engagement, it is very important for us to look good, and a good lock of hair is what completes our appearance. Those affected by hair loss become aware of how important hair is in our social lives quickly.