Millions of men deal with premature balding on an annual basis – and the physical effects only tell part of the story. For a majority of these men, balding also produces psychological side effects, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. When not properly dealt with, these issues tend to worsen over time.
How Premature Balding Impacts Confidence and Self-Esteem
Typically, it’s assumed that hair loss only affects people once they reach a certain age. However, plenty of men experience hair loss as early as their 20s or 30s.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, androgenetic alopecia or common male pattern baldness is to blame for 95 percent of hair loss in men. By the age of 35, two-thirds of American men experience some degree of hair loss, while 85 percent of men are affected by the age of 50. Most shocking is the fact that one in four men who suffer from male pattern baldness begin the process prior to their 21st birthday.
While the physical side effects of balding are quite obvious, few people openly discuss the psychological impact it has on men. But, as research shows, this doesn’t make these symptoms any less real.
“Alopecia can have serious psychosocial consequences, causing intense emotional suffering, and personal, social and work-related problems,” the British Psychological Society explains. “Alopecia also leads to depression, anxiety and social phobia in a number of sufferers.”
Then there’s the lack of confidence that comes from balding. Men assume that women find them less attractive as they bald. They fear that the appearance of thinning hair makes them appear old and washed up. This puts a strain on self-esteem and impacts numerous aspects of life – including work, relationships, and athletic performance.
4 – Tips Suggestions and Solutions
If balding is having a psychological impact on your life, it’s time to fight back. Here are some useful suggestions and possible solutions for overcoming this frustrating pain point and finding freedom in who you are.
1. Improve Your Diet
While many people suffer hair loss as a result of genetics, other people find that their balding is impacted by other lifestyle choices – like diet. After all, when you don’t get the vitamins and nutrients your body needs from your diet, it can lead to damaged hair follicles and, ultimately, premature hair loss.
The best thing you can do to slow down hair loss and encourage new hair growth is to revamp your diet. Stop eating so many processed foods and refined sugars and start consuming foods like eggs, berries, spinach, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, avocados, nuts, seeds, sweet peppers, oysters, shrimp, beans, soybeans, and lean meat.
2. Consider Hair Restoration
If you have excessive balding and want to restore hair growth, you may consider a hair restoration procedure. Doctors in this space typically use one of two methods to transplant hair to the balding spots: follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) or follicular unit extraction (FUE). Both have proven to be fairly effective, though they come with some costs and risks.
“The price of a hair transplant will depend largely on the amount of hair you’re moving, but it generally ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. Most insurance plans don’t cover it,” WebMD explains. And as with any medical procedure, there are certain risks – such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. However, these procedures are generally considered to be quite safe.
3. Try LLLT
Not keen on the idea of going under the scalpel? You have plenty of other options – many of which can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is one such option. Under this method, you wear a laser cap – which looks much like a standard baseball cap – for roughly 30 minutes per day. The lasers increase energy and blood flow, which transforms frail follicles and leads to healthier and thicker hair in matter of weeks.
4. Embrace Your New Look
Who says balding has to be a bad thing? There are plenty of attractive, confident, and successful bald men. Guys like Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel, Samuel L. Jackson, and Bruce Willis come to mind. Sometimes the best course of action is to simply embrace the new look and adjust your style accordingly. (For example, you may want to grow out your facial hair or adopt a sleeker wardrobe.) Your look is changing and that’s okay!
Take Control Over Your Life
Isn’t it amazing how your identity can feel so attacked by one small issue? While balding is a major point of frustration, it doesn’t have to define who you are. It’s time to make some proactive decisions that prioritize your confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
