Is hair loss more devastating for women?

If you saw a bald man walking past you, would you think twice? But would this be the case if a bald woman walked past? Doubtful.

Hair loss – although distressing – is generally more accepted in men, despite women accounting for 40% of all hair loss sufferers in the US, as stated in the Medical News Today in the article titled: Hair loss: how does it affect women?

Hair loss can be a very difficult experience for women. It can cause a wide range of emotions including sadness, anger, embarrassment, and frustration. Women may also experience feelings of isolation and low self-esteem due to the physical changes in their appearance.

“Hair thinning in female baldness is different from that of male baldness in that the frontal hairline remains unaffected except for normal recession, which happens to everyone as time passes, and hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may in men,” explained by Dr. Marc Glashofer, a dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, to the Medical New Today. (MNT)

“Studies on the psychosocial impact of hair loss have found patients’ self-esteem, body image and self-confidence to be negatively impacted,” reported MNT. “Known psychosocial complications include depression, low self-esteem, altered self-image and less frequent and enjoyable social engagement.”

Experts are in agreement, that women are significantly more likely to suffer emotionally as a result of hair loss. “Hair loss in a woman is so emotionally devastating that it can trigger a wide range of social and emotional issues that can negatively impact healthy daily living and overall quality of life. I have heard of women that retreat from social situations, have diminished work performance, and even alter their healthy living, avoiding exercise, overeating, not treating other medical illnesses, due to their hair loss.”

Fortunately, there are many resources available to help both men and women to deal with hair loss. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends seeking out a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss and can provide advice on the best hair loss solutions. Another option is to visit a trichologist, a specialist who focuses on trichology, the study of diseases or problems related to the hair and scalp, as well as their treatments.

There are many trusted organizations that offer great online resources. The AAD website provides information on hair loss causes and treatments, as well as tips on how to cope with hair loss. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) also provides resources and support for those dealing with hair loss. In addition, the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), a non-profit organization, provides information and resources on hair loss treatments and products.

Don’t Feel bad about feeling bad!

WebMd.com offers extremely good advice on how to cope with the pain of hair loss and encourages women to seek help, “If you are concerned about your appearance, don’t feel shallow about it, or ashamed of it; give yourself permission to care and to feel bad about your hair loss, then get a handle on the situation and do something about it.”

Psychiatrist Shari Lusskin, MD, holds a similar point of view and says women with hair loss should not be embarrassed about feeling badly. “Unlike other physical problems that can affect your looks, like being obese, for example, losing your hair is something you can quickly and easily do something about, and you shouldn’t feel so embarrassed by your problem that you don’t take advantage of what can be done to help you,” added Lusskin. “You’ll feel a lot better if you take a proactive self-help approach.”

Women Talk About Losing Their Hair

If you are a woman suffering from hair loss, #MNHD came across this As/Is testimonials that will help you understand how each hair loss journey is different and that you can control and define how you want to deal with it! Kudos to these brave women that turned around their hair loss nightmares!

#MNHD Editorial Staff

Additional Resources:

• American Academy of Dermatology Association – What causes hair loss in women? (aad.org)
• American Hair Loss Association – American Hair Loss Association – Women’s Hair Loss
• National Alopecia Areata Foundation – National Alopecia Areata Foundation | (naaf.org)
• National Institute of Health – DOHS | NIH