Psychological Consequences of Hair Loss in Men

Posted Wednesday, September 5, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Hair

Posted by The Original Anti-Aging & Cosmetic Surgery Magazine

Australian hair transplant surgeon Dr Richard Shiell is not a psychologist - but he has spent 30 years working with balding men.

A bald man is often judged slightly less favorably on first meeting than a well-haired colleague of the same age and dress. The disadvantages are usually over-ridden by the man's other attributes, if he is given a longer meeting. But this may not always happen. Research shows men with the poorest psychological adjustment and most negative body image before baldness set in, are least resilient to later stressful effects of hair loss. Most studies conclude psychological discomfort motivates patients to seek remedies for baldness. When a man notices he is losing hair, it triggers a variety of responses depending on his prevailing state of mind and background.

The Philosophical

Many young men accept hair loss as the first step to eventual baldness. They have possibly been conditioned by relatives to accept this eventuality with calm resignation. These men, who constitute the majority, seldom seek advice about their condition.

The Rebellious

Some young men refuse to accept the doctor's verdict of "hereditary baldness" and, in a blind panic, rush around seeking miracle cures. When these fail, they move on to either hairpieces or transplants.

The Cosmetic "Junkie"

This young man lives in the gymnasium for much of each week. He may have had his teeth and nose corrected as a teenager and work as a part-time model. He may have had cheek or chin implants and is on the surgeon's doorstep at the first sign of receding temples. He will later have liposuction, laser resurfacing and eventually a facelift to offset further signs of ageing. Some of these men suffer from "dysmorphphobia" - an exaggerated preoccupation with a non-existent or minor physical defect. Cosmetic procedures seldom provide lasting relief for such a patient.

The Anxious and Depressed

This group may also seek miracle cures in the early stages, but quickly become despondent by their perceived lack of results. There is a high incidence of schizophrenia in this group. These men have many other problems, but it is amazing how high hair-loss rates on their list of concerns. Many are happy with the results of surgery, but this group also includes almost all those who will later be dissatisfied and even more depressed.

The Henpecked

This man may not be bothered by his receding hair, but is married or courting an attractive lady. She has an intense dislike of baldness because of its aging effect. She insists her boyfriend or husband do something to maintain his youthful appearance. One middle aged patient came to me in alarm after his wife made the statement "I will never sleep with a bald man".

The Intellectual

Many modern young men refuse to accept the aging process and know from reading there are cosmetic aids and surgical procedures which can assist. They scan the Internet for information, and turn up at the doctor's office knowing more than he does about the latest technology and experimental techniques.

What Should I Do?

If hair loss concerns you, seek advice from your local medical practitioner or go directly to one of the specialists who are members of the Australasian Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (see your Yellow pages). These doctors are experts in surgical management of baldness and also understand the latest advances in medical management of male hair loss. The younger you are, the more cautious you should be about surgery. Although your receding hairline may seem terribly important at this moment, in a few years it may not bother you at all.

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