All over the world, thinning hair and baldness stress people out for a multitude of reasons. While it is an inevitable fact of aging, scientists say it links closely with our confidence and perception of how others see us, thus making it difficult to deal with.
A new study, however, shows that British men take losing their hair incredibly seriously. In fact, they are more afraid of losing their hair than their are of losing their jobs, their internet history being revealed, and their partner cheating on them, according to a recent survey.
The study was done by researchers from the haircare range MR. and found that over half of British men would sacrifice numerous luxuries if they could only have a head full of hair. Those luxuries include promotions and a supermodel wife. This is concerning, since by the age of 50, approximately 85% of men will see significantly thinning hair if baldness hasn’t begun already.
About 30% of the men surveyed admitted that they think about hair loss at least once a day, and more than one in ten say they have lost sleep thinking about it. The mere idea of losing their hair causes men so much anxiety that 52% say they would rather avoid hair loss than receive a sports car. In addition, 10% admit they would forgo sex for six months in order to keep their hair as is.
The study says the major concerns here stem from appearance. About 20% answered that they would feel more unattractive with less hair, while 25% say they fear they would look older than they actually are.
“Men’s self-esteem is often underestimated and baldness is considered an issue they should simply accept,” said psychologist Emma Kenny. “Losing [their hair] can be stressful and have a significant impact on body image in a culture that views hair as a sign of youth and good health.”
Above all, Kenny said, “It’s important that men start to feel at ease discussing a subject that affects so many of them yet still remains a taboo topic of conversation.”
The only things that British men say they are more afraid of than hair loss? Illness, death, old age, a terrorist attack, getting themselves into debt, and being robbed, ranked from the worst fear on. Hair loss ranked at number seven on the list.
As many as 13% of men said they believe their only option when they begin losing hair is to simply shave it all off, while 7% said they would consider a hair transplant.
There are numerous treatments available, including a new treatment boasting no surgery or drugs called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) that is not yet FDA-approved. There are also studies that say a better diet can help in combating loss, saying that by eating foods like salmon, carrots, sweet potatoes, nuts, avocados, and leafy greens, men will have a healthier scalp.
