Effects of self-perceived hair loss in a community sample of men

Abstract

Background: Few studies have quantified the psychosocial effects of hair loss using standardized instruments in men not seeking treatment for hair loss.

Objective: Examine self-perception of hair loss and its effects on men from the community.

Methods: Men 18-50 years of age recruited without regard to hair loss, from households near Dayton, Ohio, completed a questionnaire assessing self-perception of hair loss, satisfaction with hair appearance, hair-loss-specific effects and general health status.

Results: Men with greater hair loss had more bother, concern about getting older, perceived noticeability to others and greater dissatisfaction with their hair appearance than men with less hair loss. These effects decreased with age for men with hair loss, but regardless of age, perceived noticeability of hair loss increased monotonically with degree of hair loss.

Conclusions: Men with greater hair loss report more negative effects due to their hair loss across all age groups, but the effects were more pronounced in younger men.