Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Male Hair Loss
Hair loss in men is a common occurrence, with 85% of 50-year-old men experiencing some level of thinning. While society may view baldness as a sign of masculinity and virility, the reality is that hair loss can have a profound impact on a man's sense of identity and self-worth.
WHY WE LOVE OUR HAIR
Our hair holds extraordinary symbolic importance in our society, representing youth, health, and self-expression. Losing hair can have a significant impact on our mental health, with stress being one of the leading causes of male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, the stress caused by hair loss can exacerbate the problem.
The negative effects of hair loss aren't limited to older men, either. In 2021, 65% of men seeking help with thinning hair were between the ages of 18 and 35. Hair loss can cause serious distress, and is even associated with depression. As a result, psychological therapy is now a routine component of the medical management of hair loss.
THE MINEFIELD OF TREATMENT (MIS)INFORMATION
As well as the negative effect balding can have on mental health, there are other related factors around the issue that can negatively take their toll psychologically as well as financially, especially for those who seek to have surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatments. Though it is becoming increasingly more popular and is now the most sought after cosmetic treatment for men, many potential recipients of hair loss treatment are faced with not knowing where to look, what exactly to look for and who to trust. Misinformation online is not solely reserved for politics and pandemics! With the establishment of cheap, unregulated and unsafe hair restoration services abroad who are looking for a chunk of the Irish market in the form of “medical tourism”, misinformation about the realities and repercussions of surgical hair loss treatment is prolific.
Because of its relatively new popularity, and perhaps an unwillingness to discuss the subject with others, men who are looking for treatment for their hair loss may find it frustrating and upsetting when trying to find the best option for them. This can lead to feelings of despair, compounding the negative effects of balding on their mental wellbeing. There is also a lot of time potentially wasted on wading through all the information online, trying to decipher what is fact and what is fiction. These issues are very real for those who suffer with them and although balding itself does not typically pose medical risks, it can have a profound and deeply insidious effect on a person’s psychological health which can lead to physical illness. Then there’s also the risk to physical and mental health posed by substandard treatments offered abroad.
FINDING A TREATMENT PROVIDER YOU CAN TRUST
Working with a medical doctor and a professional team who can perform the surgery to the highest possible standards and provide reliable after care as well as understanding the significant impact of hair loss on mental health is crucial. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. But by seeking out trustworthy providers, you can rest assured that you're getting the best care possible and can begin to feel like yourself again. So, don't let hair loss hold you back any longer, take the first step towards finding a treatment that works for you.
At Tir na nÒg Clinic we understand the range of issues our clients come to us with. Our clients are looked after by Dr Kevin McDonald, a medical surgeon, and a skilled technical team who provide the highest standards of treatment and after-care. We take time to discuss all aspects of the treatment with each individual and ensure that our consultations provide our clients with all of the information about the realities of the treatment that they will need. We are a family run business and pride ourselves on offering excellent treatment and value for investment.