04
Jul
2014
04
Jul
2014
Hair has long captured the imagination of artists, designers and writers.
Hair is evocative and holds powerful cultural significance across the world. The hair care industry generates a lot of interest and money. In 2011, compared to 2010, global retail sales of hair care products increased by 5% to reach US$73.7 billion, according to data from Euromonitor International, published in 2012.
With most people in the UK experiencing some hair loss before the age of 50, it’s a common concern for both men and women and a legitimate one too. It’s OK to care.
Evermore specialised blogs continue to proliferate. Magazines, catering for both females and males, pay a lot of attention to how hair is represented in them. And these trends are set to continue.
From the story of Samson and his hair, which rendered him powerless without it, to the royal courts of France and Louis XIV, with his elaborate wigs, even men have a long-held attachment and interest in hair.
So why does it seem more OK for women to be concerned about hair loss than men?
Hair
For women, the association with their hair can shape their image to themselves and others. When you think of powerful women throughout time and myth, their hair is often part of their mysticism or legacy, e.g. Boudica/Boudicca’s long, flowing red hair (interestingly also known as Boadicea – a version popularised by the poet William Cowper in the 18th century).
For many people in the public eye comments about their hair are commonplace – just think about Margaret Thatcher, Michelle Obama, Cheryl Cole, Jennifer Aniston and even figures like Lady Godiva and Medusa. Not forgetting Gail Porter who has done an impressive and worthy amount to raise awareness of alopecia.
Women vs. Men?
Hair Transplants can be unfairly criticised.
While for women they are often heralded as life-affirming and life-changing procedures, for men the same isn’t often said. Ideally, we need to take a step back and try to understand why people want to combat their hair loss and what can be done about it so the debate becomes something more productive.
I treat patients on an individual basis so it’s important for me to reassure male patients it’s really OK to seek advice about treatment.
Men often face a barrage of criticism from all fronts when exploring and searching for hair loss treatments. While pop culture surveys remind them some women consider hair an important attribute for potential partners, you’ve also got people telling men to stop being vain.
Yes, some men look great with no hair but there are still men who don’t like the way they look without hair. We should be equally supportive of men who don’t mind losing their hair and men who do mind losing their hair.
If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together hair transplant and Hair loss FAQs just for you.
If you have more questions, you can use the hair transplant and Hair loss questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.
If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited hair transplant and Hair loss clinics in your area.
Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Thomy Kouremada-Zioga who is the most sought-after hair transplant surgeon specialist and one of the first doctors to train and practise the FUE method, performing one of the highest numbers of FUE hair transplant procedures in Europe.
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