Whether it is a woman or a man, appearance is an essential part of life. 

It affects self-image, confidence, and personality. From a stylish outfit to being in shape, to a healthy head of hair, everything plays an important role in how you are perceived by others. 

There is a reason why hair is referred to as the “crowning glory”. The importance of appearance is one of the main reasons that hair loss can deal a huge blow psychologically, even to men. It can change the way men perceive themselves as well as the way they think others perceive them.

While some men who experience hair loss may be able to accept it and move on, others suffer from psychological and social issues following hair loss.

Let’s have a look at some of these issues that men face.

Impact of Hair Loss on Men

  • Lack of confidence: As a receding hairline often contributes to a person looking older, hair loss can cause a man to lose confidence in his appearance. This issue is amplified when it occurs at an early age and a good number of contemporaries often still have a full head of hair.

  • Effect on relationships: Men may feel that the loss of their hair signals the end of their youth and desirability to others. They also associate hair with their virility and hair loss makes them believe that they are not manly anymore.

  • Loss of work opportunities: Balding men are often perceived as being older. Some employers may see men with hair loss or baldness as being less likely to have the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.Hair loss may affect those men more adversely who work in fields where presentation and appearance is an important part of the profession. 

  • Social avoidance behaviour: Anxiety over hair loss can lead to instances of social avoidance where men avoid attending social gatherings and events to avoid being seen with the hair loss and be ridiculed or judged negatively for their appearance. This adversely affects their social life and makes them feel isolated. 

  • Mental health issues: For some men, hair loss and a changed appearance may indicate a loss of control over their lives. This results in increased anxiety and despair at not being able to do much about the change in their appearance. Hair loss and its effects on appearance may lead to depression. 

It is important to remember that your hair is not you, it is just a part of your personality. You are still worthy and valuable. Further, hair loss is often easily treatable. 

The first step for males suffering from hair loss is scheduling a consultation with a doctor in order to discuss the best treatment plan for hair loss. 

A mental health professional may be consulted to help in dealing with the psychological impact of hair loss. 


Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.