It is in their 20s that most males first begin to experience some thinning of their hair or receding of their hairline. By the time that men reach their 60s, almost two thirds of them will have hair loss that is visible and noticeable. Despite it being a common occurrence, it is nonetheless distressing and often has an impact on a man’s self esteem. In the most severe of instances, it can lead to anxiety and depression.
A Big Secret
The impact of loss of hair on men’s mental health is actually more serious and widespread than what we are led to believe it is. Speak with any GP and they will tell you that they have and continue to see lots of men who state that losing their hair has had a detrimental impact on their mental wellbeing. Despite of this, men still refuse to openly discuss their feelings with their loved ones and instead keep it all a big secret.
For many friends and family members, the first they know if the issue is when that person undergoes some form of treatment, such as a hair transplant, head stubble tattoos or some other mens hair restoration. Where they can, men even keep the fact that they are undergoing treatment as secret and so opt to go for oral medication or topical ointments that no one would ever know that they are taking/using.
It is hard to believe that in this day and age, men still feel embarrassed and even shameful about treating something that will likely affect most men at some point in their life. The situation is not helped by the fact that some people mock those for seeking treatment as vain, yet in the same breadth laugh at those men who are bald for either being unattractive, old, or both – there is often seen as no way to win, hence the impact on mental health.
This is because subconsciously, a man’s hair acts as a visible sign of their masculinity and virility. Similarly to this, some people also hold the belief that the state of a man’s hair is a direct reflection of their power and strength. This idea likely comes from the age old story of Samson and Delilah where he lost his power when his hair was cut.
Embracing the Look
The other option that balding men can adopt, and is one that is very popular, is to embrace the fact that their hair is falling out. The likes of Hollywood actors Jason Statham and Bruce Willis go to show that the look can not only be pulled off, but pulled off with style. In fact, it can be a sign of manliness and masculinity.
This goes to show that although no man ever wants to go bald and will always try to fight the decline of their hairline for as long as possible, there can be a silver lining if you choose to have a positive mental attitude about it and embrace the fact that you are going bald.
