Hair Loss More Concerning for Men than Memory Loss

Hair loss is a major worry for men, ranking amongst their top three concerns about ageing and even more concerning than memory loss.
Despite this, only a minority of those losing their hair seek help for the problem, even though effective treatments are available.

More worried about hair loss

Hair loss is closely identified with ageing and, according to a 2009 survey conducted by Nelson Sofres (TNS) Direct Services, more men are worried about going bald than they are about losing their memory, developing impotence or wrinkles.
Of those surveyed who were not currently balding, almost half were worried about the prospect of looking older due to thinning hair in the future.
Up to 80 per cent of men will experience male pattern baldness and whilst some will feel empowered by their sleek new look, others can feel less attractive, worried they look prematurely older, and are more likely to be the butt of jokes from other people.
Almost a third of hair loss sufferers surveyed admitted having to put up with jokes about their hair, while 20 per cent found other people often overestimate how old they are and 11 per cent believed others considered them to be less attractive.

Unsurprising findings

“These findings do not surprise me,” Leonora Doclis, senior hair loss specialist at the Belgravia Centre said.
“Male pattern hair loss can significantly affect the way men view themselves, however, it is a treatable condition that can be halted and even reversed.
“Most people notice if their hair is thinning or receding but sometimes it’s not until someone takes the mickey out of them that they actually seek advice or treatment.”
Clearly, the effects of hairloss are not just skin deep and a significant proportion of men are negatively affected psychologically as well as physically.
However, only four per cent of those men with pattern baldness who took part in the TNS research had sought medical advice from a GP, pharmacist, trichologist (hair specialist) or dermatologist; furthermore, of these, 29 per cent felt their concerns were not taken seriously.
Just over half had been offered treatment, even though there are three authorised and proven hair loss solutions currently available - two MHRA-licensed and FDA-approved medications plus various LLLT devices that are cleared by the FDA.
Despite these clinically-proven hair loss treatments being well established, the research reports that 36 per cent were offered herbal remedies, despite there being a lack of reliable scientific evidence showing that any herbal hair loss products can treat Male Pattern Baldness.
An estimated 6.5 million men are affected by genetic hair loss in the UK; it is an incredibly common hereditary condition but there are solutions available. So, with professional advice, treatment and monitoring from a specialist, there are proven options that can help men wanting to keep their hair and prevent baldness.