PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HAIR LOSS

Losing one's hair can be a difficult thing to accept.  Psychological problems due to hair loss, if present, tend to be most severe at the onset of symptoms.  Women, in general, tend to suffer more emotionally and psychologically than men on losing their hair.

In men who start to bald early in life or in middle age, it may be seen as a sign of aging or loss of virility.  There may also be the fear that they may not be as attractive to women anymore.  Some men, however, may in fact, feel proud of their baldness, feeling an association with famous personalities such as Sean Connery, Yul Brynner and Bruce Willis.

In women, hair loss can be much more emotionally distressing.   Many tend to judge their physical attractiveness and sexual appeal by their outward appearance.   Society also tends to be much more accepting of a balding man, as there are numerous male celebrities who sport a bald head.  In contrast, there tends to be a general lack of female role models who are bald.

Different people cope differently with hair loss.  Some may not like it, but are otherwise not too concerned about it and take it as a normal part of life.  Others  are concerned enough to want to do something about it.  Still others take it as a loss of self image and can react very badly to it, feeling distressed and unattractive.
There may be loss of self esteem and well as depression in more severe cases.

It is important to recognize your true feelings towards hair loss.  Seek treatment or counseling early.