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
