Hair Loss and the Effect on our Appearance

Hair loss can have a negative effect on how we feel and hair loss in a younger person can contribute to an appearance of premature aging. Hair loss at any age can detract from overall appearance.

In some circumstances, hair loss may be the dominant factor in how a person is assessed. Overall appearance figures prominently in the way others view us. The perception of hair loss as a cosmetic "defect" influences the way in which both men and women may be assessed, but it is often a detriment to women more than to men. The bald man may benefit from the "Mr. Big" image of the powerful bald-headed man. There is no such image from which women may benefit; thinning hair is an age-related cosmetic detriment for women, no matter at what age it occurs.

Hair restoration is not accomplished by a "one pattern fits all" approach. Every patient requires an individual approach to correction of hair loss. Factors requiring individual consideration include:

• Patient's age-e,g, will a younger person's hair loss likely progress for decades, and therefore require age-appropriate management at regular intervals?
• Patient's gender-e.g, the approach to correction of hair loss is often quite different in men and women.
• Cause of hair loss-e.g, while hereditary male-pattern of female-pattern hair loss is the most common cause of thinning hair, other causes must be considered and no correction undertaken until the cause is correctly diagnosed.
• Pattern of hair loss-e.g, the emphasis on hair restoration should be on restoring the appearance of natural growth and an asthetic effect appropriate to the patient.
• Degree of hair loss-e.g, planning of hair restoration must be based on the achievement of an outcome that is rational in terms of overall hair loss, and acceptable to the patient.
• Cosmetic relationships of the patient's hairline to other cosmetic features including forehead, eyebrows, ears and nose-e.g, overall asthetic effect must be appropriate for the patient.

Living with alopecia can be difficult in a culture that views hair as a sign of youth and good health.

Hair plays an important role in our social lives. Upon meeting someone, one of the first things you notice is their hair. Before any social engagement we also take a lot of time to ensure that we look good and lovely hair or good hair style always completes our appearance. Those affected by hair loss become aware of how important hair is in our social lives quickly.

Hair loss may cause the person to limit social activities. Some people avoid seeing friends and stop going out except to work.

Many people begin wearing more hats or caps to try to disguise their thinning hairline.  In some serve cases some people resort to wearing artificial hair whether that be extensions to combat hair thinning or in some cases wigs. 

For some hair loss may spark self-improvement tactics like starting to work our more. The improvement in physique gives more confidence, thus making less worry about hair loss.

If you are suffering from hair loss, and are concerned at all about the effects this may have, it is essential that you consult your GP for their diagnosis as to whether it may be temporary or likely to continue to and progressively get worse