Androgenetic alopecia, one of the most common causes of hair loss in men, affects 50 million men in the US. It’s far more noticeable among older males, but it can start as early as one’s teenage years.
Worse, some men develop mental health conditions due to their alopecia.
What exactly are the psychological effects of hair loss in males, though? Is there anything you can do about them?
Keep reading, as this guide covers what you need to know about the mental consequences of male hair loss.
Male Hair Loss and Mental Health
A survey found that hair is one of the features that women find most attractive in men. That’s according to 22% of polled females. By contrast, only 2% cited preferring a man’s overall facial appearance.
So, it’s no wonder that men who lose their hair may also lose their self-esteem. That can lead to a drop in confidence, especially in males who value their self-appearance.
Lower self-confidence, in turn, can put men at risk of anxiety, depression, or both. Indeed, such are the findings of studies on mental health and hair loss in men.
For instance, an analysis concluded that alopecia could cause long-term anxiety and depression. It even noted how patients dealing with hair loss reported having a lower quality of life.
Another study looked into men with alopecia areata, which causes clumps of hair to fall. The researchers also found that they were at a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
Combating Hair Loss in Men
If hair loss affects your psychological and mental health, talk to your doctor. It’s possible to recover a full head of hair, which, in turn, may help you regain your confidence.
Medications including minoxidil and finasteride may help stop hair loss and promote regrowth. However, they don’t cure alopecia, so their effects only last as long as you use them.
Another option is scalp micropigmentation (SMP), also called hair tattooing. It’s a non-medicated alternative wherein an SMP artist applies pigments onto the scalp. Its goal is to replicate a buzz cut or a natural shaved look.
You may also look into hair transplantation surgery, but note that it’s more invasive than SMP. It involves taking hair-bearing scalp grafts from a donor site and placing them onto a bald area.
Regardless of which treatment you choose, it’s best to start it immediately. The sooner you address alopecia, the higher your odds of preventing further hair loss. Besides, the sooner you get your hair back, the less likely you may have to deal with psychological issues.
Regain Confidence by Addressing Hair Loss
As you can see, hair loss in men can lead to devastating psychological effects. That’s enough of a reason to consider getting help to stop alopecia and regrow your hair.
Just make sure to consult your doctor about your hair loss treatment options. Your physician can discuss their pros and cons and which one suits you best.
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