With ever-increasing changes in lifestyle and eating habits over many years, dermatologists and hair stylists have been challenged by an increasing clientele with hair loss, thinning hair, and miserable scalp problems (1).
Our hair is one of the things people notice about each other.
We make judgment calls about our physical, emotional, and psychological health.
Thinning, sparse hair or an itchy scalp can be devastating for someone interviewing for a job, communicating with a peer, or asking for a date.
Historically, hair has played a big part in self-esteem and individual worth, from the fame of Cleopatra’s long black tresses to the white curly wigs worn by early American upper-class men.
People generally think children with more hair are cuter, men with luscious hair are more virile, and women with silky, voluminous hair are more attractive.
Our hair frames our face, and humans spend billions of dollars every year on beauty products that claim to change our life if we look a certain way.
While we know attraction is often shallow and confidence boosts our appearance significantly, our looks create a lasting impression.
It can be challenging for a person worried about a receding hairline to feel sexy.
Part of aging is that we get to watch our hair change color, texture, and volume.
Many people idealize youth and feel less valuable as they see these physical adjustments taking place (2).