posted by dominicdonaldson on Aug 27
There was a time when a full head of hair was ideal for protection, heat retention and camouflage and now it is thought to be a symbol of sex appeal, virility, power and youth. These ideas about hair can be dated back to Biblical times; when Samson cut Delilah’s hair, he lost all of his power. Although hair loss doesn’t pose any physical health risks, it can lead to depression as well as other emotional disorders due to these typecasts about hair loss.
In the work place and in social groups, the bald or the balding are often teased and ridiculed. It seems bizarre how men can be make fun of simply for going through something that nearly all men will go through at some point. It’s possible that others make fun of those who are losing their hair before they have simply as a way to hide their own insecurities about hair loss.
A study was done in 1971 where a photo of one man was distributed to 60 people; each participant would receive one of three photos of the man. In one photo he had a full head of hair, in another his hair was thinning and in the third one he was bald. The picture of him with all of his hair was described as handsome, virile, active and strong; compare this to the one of him with no hair where he was described as being unkind, bald and ugly. The photograph of him with thinning hair was described as weak and dull.
While people still make fun of those who are losing their hair, it seems that the media may not be being so hard on them. Telly Savalas, of the infamous Kojak series, was once voted the sexiest man alive by People Magazine and Bruce Willis is without a doubt one of the most lusted after actors out there despite having very little hair.
It seems that hair loss is difficult for men as they become depressed about their appearance and the stigma that comes with hair loss, but they also feel ashamed to admit that it bothers them in fears that they’ll be considered vain. It seems sexist to suggest that men can’t be concerned about their appearance and aging; after all, British women spend millions of pounds every year on cosmetics and products to combat the signs of aging.
Although there are no physical health problems caused by hair loss, the anxiety caused by it can last a lifetime. For those who suffer from anxiety caused by hair loss, or who just want to retain their youthful looks, there is the option of hair transplant surgery; a procedure which is becoming increasingly popular.
Dominic Donaldson is a mental health expert.
Find out more about Hair Loss and hair transplant surgery.
