Emotional Aspects

The psychology of physical appearance is a developing area of research and investigation. There are two key branches important in understanding the emotional impact of hair loss, 1) the interaction and reaction of people based on perceptions of human appearance and the negative stereotype connotations of baldness and, 2) self esteem from the individual's own perception of body image.

Unfortunately hair loss is almost universally regarded by others as negative with a poor stereotyped image of the bald man or woman. There are many clear examples of the importance of hair and the negative image of baldness in our past and present. For example; Monks would shave their heads to express religious penitence or submission and possibly to make themselves unattractive to the opposite sex. After the liberation of France in the second world war collaborators had their scalps publicly shaved to allow their easy identification in the streets. For native Americans, taking a scalp with the hair still attached was the physical means of taking possession of the spirit and strength of the conquered enemy. Hair is the source of Samson’s strength. Alopecia is often used in paintings to convey an impression of evil on a character. The same can be said of movies with evil bald characters in James Bond movies, Kevin Costner’s Water World etc. According to Chinese tradition hair loss is a condition induced by licking and may be interpreted as a sign of punishment by the devil. In the animal kingdom it has been suggested that healthy hair/fur plays an important role in the selection of a mate. It is clearly the most visible indication of the general health of the individual and allows rapid evaluation of potential mates.

Use of wigs has long been with us. Their use in conveying social status/power is apparent from the representations of European royalty and the ludicrous excesses of the wigs court members wore. British judges and lawyers still use wigs as a signal of power. The overall impression again is hair, and lots of it, is good. All in all, hair loss is commonly interpreted as a sign of weakness or immorality in many cultures around the world.

Considering the majority of the population is directly affected with some degree of hair loss it is ironic that the people for whom this negative image has the greatest impact actually help perpetuate the negative evaluation of hair loss against their fellow “sufferers”.

Bald people have been shown to be less favourably interviewed for jobs. Some people with sudden hair loss diseases such as alopecia areata have even reported losing their jobs as their physical image is regarded is inappropriate by their bosses and peers. Secretaries have been told their baldness does not reflect the corporate image a company wants to portray. This may be directly related to the perception that hair loss is a sign of age and weakness whereas many companies wish to promote an image of youth and strength. The idea that pattern baldness might represent wisdom and knowledge apparently doesn't enter the heads of corporate image makers.

How people view their own hair loss is most important and different attitudes of different people explain why some people aggressively seek treatment and others do not. Of course the negative image of pattern baldness is the underlying factor for the multi-million dollar alopecia treatment industry and the reason why you are here at HJLC!