Here Are The Psychological Effects Caused Due To Hair Loss And How One Can Tackle It

Most of us have heard the phrase "having a bad hair day," and while this may have earned its relevance and popularity due to pop culture, one cannot deny the importance of our lustrous mane. Basically, the phrase itself defines the direction of the day based on how one is feeling about their hair. It is probably one of the first things to catch someone's attention. So, obviously, hair is as important as it can get.

Importance of hair

Whether it is straight, curly, or wavy, a person's hair typically shapes the way they look. The way one's hair is styled and the way one makes their hair typically define their entire personality. For example, a lot of people around the globe define their stance or stand on various things and beliefs with the help of their hair. Monks shave off their hair to show how they don't need an attachment to anything. Whereas, on a completely different spectrum, metal musicians or listeners grow their hair long and unkept to show their love for the typical genre.

Men and women both think of their hair as their crowning glory. But for women in particular, hair is considered their symbol of femininity.

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AGA, or androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a pattern of baldness that affects both men and women. It is basically a gradual process that leads to the thinning of hair on the scalp. This condition may be due to genetic factors or other hormonal factors. The primary contributing factor is the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. In individuals with a genetic susceptibility to AGA, DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time.

Different features of AGA

Male pattern baldness

There is a specific pattern of AGA when it comes to men. It starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown (top) of the head. Over time, the hairline may continue to recede, leaving a horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair around the sides and back of the head.

Female pattern baldness

When it comes to women, AGA has a different outcome. It starts with the thinning of the hair across the crown of the head. Unlike men, women usually maintain their frontal hairline, but the hair becomes progressively thinner and sparser on the top of the scalp.

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Hair loss and psychological effects

While hair loss may not have any major consequences for one's physical health, it can affect one's self-image and mental health. Since hair is such a major aspect of a person's personality and overall being, losing it can significantly impact them. This is what it can lead to:

It can lead to low self-esteem

Nowadays, both men and women invest a lot when it comes to their appearance. Hair is one of the most important aspects of one's appearance. A Glamour Magazine survey that occurred back in 1993 reported how women see their hair. One participant said, "If my hair looks good, I look attractive no matter what I¡¯m wearing or how I look otherwise," and "If my hair isn¡¯t right, nothing else can make me feel that I look good." A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that individuals with androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) had significantly lower self-esteem compared to individuals without hair loss. Another study in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that individuals with hair loss reported feeling less physically attractive, leading to negative impacts on body image perception.

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Mental health disorders

Noticing hair loss every single day can be an agonising experience for any gender. Hair care, including hair wash days, applying oil, or even just combing hair, can cause a lot of stress if one notices clumps of hair just falling off. This not only causes stress but can lead to mental health disorders as well. A study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that individuals with hair loss experienced higher levels of psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Another study published in the Archives of Dermatology revealed that hair loss was associated with a higher prevalence of depression, particularly in women.

Another study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology reported that individuals with alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing hair loss) had higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general population.

Social withdrawal

As mentioned, hair literally makes or breaks a person's confidence. So, people who are going through this condition can feel extremely conscious of themselves. This can also lead them to become asocial, as they may feel embarrassed. A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that hair loss negatively affected social functioning and led to increased self-consciousness in social situations. Another study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings highlighted that individuals with hair loss reported avoiding certain activities and social interactions due to concerns about their appearance.

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How can one cope with the psychological effects of hair loss?

While this may be a harrowing experience for the person who is dealing with it, leading them to doubt their appearance, coping with these effects requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the emotional and practical aspects of hair loss. Here are some strategies to cope with the psychological effects of hair loss:

Acknowledging your emotions

Understanding and acknowledging what is happening can help you feel better about your condition. You may feel a lot of anxiety and even want to cry, but acknowledging what is happening can make you not continuously feel stressed about it.

Educate yourself about the condition

Thanks to the internet, one can learn and understand everything and anything nowadays. Learn what the underlying cause of hair loss is and what treatments one can opt for. Other than that, you can also learn about it from people going through the same condition and what they are doing about it.

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Explore treatment options

Now that you have educated yourself, there may be several treatment options available to you. Consult with a dermatologist or a hair specialist to explore potential treatments such as medications, topical treatments, or hair restoration procedures. Some of the treatments may actually reverse the effects of your condition, lowering stress levels.

Seek therapy

If hair loss is causing significant distress, seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can be beneficial. They can provide you with coping strategies, help you improve your self-image, and work through any underlying body image issues or self-esteem concerns.

Shift focus to other positive attributes

Remember that your worth is not solely determined by your physical appearance. Focus on your other positive attributes, talents, and qualities that make you unique and valuable. Cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion.

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Hair loss can not only affect one's physical appearance but can also have a great mental impact. Remember, it does not define you or your worth in any way.