- Five million women in the UK experience hair loss, leaving many depressed
- New clinical study reveals the severe psychological impact of condition often dismissed as “cosmetic”
- Billions spent on anti-ageing and weight loss but losing their hair is women’s biggest fear
In the UK £5.2 billion is spent every year on anti-ageing and diet
products yet 45% of women say that losing their hair is their greatest
fear above sagging skin (12%) and gaining weight (12%), leading experts
to call for a wider acknowledgement and understanding of the
psychological impact of female hair loss.
A new clinical study, published in May in European Dermatology Journal,
"The Journal of Applied Cosmetology", reveals the psychological and
quality of life impact experienced by women suffering from genetic hair
loss - a condition often not taken seriously by physicians.
The research conducted on women aged 20-55 over a 24 month period shows
that, if left untreated, genetic hair loss can lead to long term
psychological problems which can increase patients’ susceptibility to
psychosomatic diseases.
Conducted by leading trichologist and President of the World Trichology
Society, Dr David H. Kingsley, the study assessed women against key
psychological markers including anxiety, self-esteem, depression and
social interaction with a view to establishing an overall quality of
life (QOL) score for each patient.
The improvement in the women’s QOL score was monitored as they began a 6
month course of natural trichology treatments designed to help control
further hair loss, support new hair growth, and improve the cosmetic
appearance of the hair. The trichology treatments included a combination
of topical and supplement therapies, including niacin, menthol, laser
therapy, diet advice, and Nourkrin - a supplement containing Marilex,
extracted from deep sea fish. All women, ranging from those whose QOL
was ‘severely’ affected by hair loss to those who reported a moderate
negative QOL effect, reported that their self-esteem and general outlook
on life markedly improved.
Despite these encouraging results which can be achieved through the
right professional advice and treatment, a survey of 2,000 UK women,
commissioned by Nourkrin, reveals that one in five who sought advice
about thinning hair from a GP or other non-specialist health
professional felt that their condition was not taken seriously.
With the majority of women admitting that losing their hair would be the
worst thing that could happen to their appearance, it is clear that the
condition and its psychological effects should be given greater
priority.
“Because we are still searching for a reliable cure for genetic hair
loss, GPs often fail to take patients seriously when they present with
signs of thinning hair. Although hair loss is not life threatening, it
is life altering. Therefore, the message that we’re trying to convey
from the World Trichology Society is that this is a serious problem and,
though there is presently no 100% dependable cure, there are
treatment options and combinations available that can greatly improve a
woman’s psychological health and quality of life,” says Dr Kingsley.
As a result of hair loss being dismissed as a serious problem, over a
quarter of women have been left feeling depressed, while a fifth worried
if a serious disease may be the underlying cause. And with 60% of
women believing stress to be a key reason for their hair loss, it seems
there could be a vicious cycle at play for a large proportion of female
sufferers.
Psychologist and author, Corinne Sweet explains how hair loss can affect
women: “Unfortunately, women’s emotional distress at the state of their
hair is often dismissed. However, there is a definite psychological
loss of status, self-esteem and self-confidence when hair thins or even
falls out. This is because hair is a ‘secondary sexual characteristic’,
and as such, is a serious weapon in women’s sexual, and sensual,
armoury. In films and novels women toss their locks to attract a man,
it creates a ‘come hither’ signal, linked to flirtation and
reproduction.
Thus, when hair drops, so can a woman’s self-worth. Serious hair loss
can lead not only to depression, but agoraphobia, even suicidal
feelings, as women can feel the the world is too harsh and judgemental
for them to deal with. Women can fear they are no longer sexy or
seductive, or able to compete at work or go out socially. Thus it is
essential women receive the right advice about the treatment options
available to them to help them achieve improved feelings self-worth and
restore their enjoyment of life.”
Birgit Beer, a professional opera singer, explains the impact that hair
loss has had on her life: “As someone who has to get up and perform in
front of people for my job, confidence is absolutely everything. When I
started losing my hair it affected me in every way. My confidence and
self-esteem dropped and that had an effect on my performance. It was
embarrassing and really difficult to talk to people about but it’s
amazing knowing now how many women have been through the same situation.
When I was looking for treatment I was worried about the side effects
of prescription medicines might have so was so happy to find a product
with a natural active ingredient like Marilex which is derived from the
sea.”
