Over half of men with hair loss feel ‘extremely self-conscious’ about socialising

More than half of men with hair loss are “extremely self-conscious” when it comes to socialising, according to a study. Nearly nine in ten (88 percent), of the 1,000 men polled with hair loss symptoms, consider their hair to be a big part of their identity.

But only 36 percent feel comfortable talking openly about their hair journey.

More than half (58 percent) first started to notice their hair visibly thinning as they were just getting started in their careers.

And 31 percent felt they needed to maintain their appearance, so friends and family would not start to notice.

The research was commissioned by Toppik, a hair-building product, which has partnered with celebrity hair stylist Ricky Walters – famed for coiffing Joel Dommett, Laura Whitmore, and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Ricky Walters said: “Like most people, my hair is a huge part of my identity. It is an accessory we all love to dress and never take off. It can act as a confidence booster, and also a security blanket.

“I deal with clients and their hair needs every day and, love it or hate it, they would never want to lose it.”

The study also found that, although 62 percent have considered trying different hair styles and hair-thickening styling products for every-day hair concealing, 23 percent have not taken any steps toward preventing hair thinning or loss.

But 38 percent have ended up shaving their hair when hair loss becomes visible, while 35 percent of men wear hats daily.

Just 34 percent of men surveyed would discuss hair thinning or loss with their parents, and 24 percent would discuss it with their siblings.

And 26 percent have considered medicated products as a treatment for their thinning barnet, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Social media is said to be a help on the issue, not a hindrance – as one in three said it has played somewhat of a positive impact on their hair journeys.

And 41 percent have found social media to be a platform where they can find help and resources for their specific hair-thinning needs.

Ricky Walters, for Toppik, added: “I have won over some incredible clients in my time – not because I did the world’s best haircut, but because I was skilled at hiding thinning areas and bald spots.

“My clients are open and honest about their hair loss, and often, they need an understanding ear.

“I have male and female clients alike suffering from hair loss. Although they all think it is a rarity, it is indeed a very common concern.”