Losing your hair can be a hard thing to grasp. If you see noticeable hair thinning every time you look in the mirror, it’s not easy to cope with.
Learning to live with male pattern hair loss can be a struggle. It can hit a man’s self-confidence, particularly for younger men who experience hair loss. This article helps men cope and deal with hair loss and how to keep their self-confidence.
How Does Hair Loss Affect Self-Esteem?
For men experiencing hair loss, this can lower self-esteem. Self-esteem is an individual’s emotional and subjective self-assessment of their value. Those who suffer from low self-esteem do not hold themselves in high regard and lack confidence in who they are or what they can do.
Hair loss can dramatically affect your self-esteem and how men feel about themselves. Losing a part of a person’s attractiveness and appearance.
Mental Health and Hair Loss
Hair loss can negatively affect your quality of life if you let it. Several studies have linked male pattern baldness with lower self-esteem and a noticeable decrease in self-confidence. The good news is that you’re not alone. An estimated 66% of men experience some level of hair loss by 35.
Dating & Relationships
For men dating, hair loss can be tricky for how others perceive them and themselves. When dating, self-esteem and self-confidence can take a hit. Women may not necessarily be attracted to bald or balding guys, but what’s worse, women may not be attracted to someone with a lack of confidence.
Social Life
Hair loss’s effects can change how you interact and socialize with others. You may be too embarrassed to go out or be seen by other people, whether they are colleagues or close friends. For others, you may find you’re not as outgoing, less likely to start conversations with new people, and wish not to be the center of attention.
Career and Workplace
Again, men going through hair loss may be unfairly viewed in the workplace. People perceive those who are bald unfavorably. It can impact your mentality, whether you’re seeking a new job or a promotion.
Dealing With Hair Loss
Dealing with hair loss can be a lot to go through emotionally. While Hair loss is not a major tragedy, the grieving process can be a similar, ultimately ending with acceptance.
Five stages of grief also apply to hair loss:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
How Men Can Cope With Hair Loss
Losing hair can be a trigger for feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. When hair loss is traumatic, it can cause sufferers to avoid social situations out of fear of being judged actively. Accepting hair loss may be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to help ease the transition with these coping tips:
1. Keep Things In Perspective
All of us go through life experiencing various types of loss – be it a job, a relationship, or physical attributes. While hair loss may be frustrating and emotionally distressing, keeping things in perspective is essential. Losing hair does not make you less of a man. Accepting male pattern baldness does not make you less of a man. These things are important to us, but they do not define true beauty characteristics.
2. Accept Yourself & Your Situation
Life is complicated — just accept it and roll with the punches. Don’t compare yourself to others; don’t be defined by your looks. Having a positive self-image requires more than a perfectly shaped head of hair. Loss of confidence due to hair loss can be devastating, but you must realize that your self-worth is not confined to your looks.
3. Find Support From Family or Friends
A sound support system can make accepting male pattern baldness much easier. Talking it through with trusted people in your life will help you cope with balding. Talk to family and close friends about how you’re feeling.
4. Talk To a Therapist
Beyond family and friends, talking to a professional about your feelings can be helpful. Consider talking to a therapist about depression or anxiety related to hair loss. A Professional therapist can offer insight into hair loss’s physical and emotional causes and guide what you’re going through.
5. Embrace a New Look
Many men who experience hair loss and come to terms with it will embrace the bald look. Consider adopting a new look of a completely-shaved head and growing out a beard. It’s not easy accepting a new look, but in time, you will get used to seeing your new look in the mirror every day.
6. Focus on Other Physical Features
Just because you’re balding doesn’t mean it has to affect other physical features. You can improve your diet and exercise routines to boost your physical appearance. You can get in shape by running or biking, hitting the gym, or playing a sport.
Get Your Self-Confidence Back
While coming to terms with hair loss is not easy, it can negatively affect your quality of life if you let it. Confidence is the most valuable asset for a man that is balding or experiencing hair loss.
Another way to address hair loss is to consider a hair transplant. Many think a hair transplant surgery is expensive; however, payment options and financing are available. Learn more about this option from natural Transplants, a hair restoration clinic.
