Hair Loss is No Joking Matter

New research highlights men’s concerns about going bald.

December 2005 - Hair loss is a major worry for many men, ranking amongst their top three concerns about ageing and even more concerning than memory loss according to the results of new research.¹ Those affected by hair loss can feel less attractive, as well as older and are more likely to be the butt of jokes from other people. Despite this, only a minority of those suffering from hair loss seek help for their problem even though effective treatments are available. The new research is sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited.

“I started losing my hair when in my early twenties and I still feel self-conscious about it. People think it’s funny to make jokes about my bald patch and I always try to laugh along, but underneath it really knocks my confidence,” explains Marcus Radmoor, a golf professional from Ongar, Essex.

British men are taking a greater interest in their appearance, as demonstrated by the rise in sales of male grooming products and the increasing popularity of beauty treatments amongst men.²

Hair appears to be a major priority when it comes to personal grooming, coming second only to personal hygiene with clothing/fashion in third place. More than a third (36%) of men questioned spends at least £10 every month on hair care products and styling.

More men surveyed are worried about hair loss (13%) than losing memory (10%), impotence (5%) or wrinkles (3%). Hair loss is closely identified with ageing. Of those surveyed who are not currently affected by hair loss, almost half (44%) are worried about the prospect of looking older with any future hair loss.

Of those participating in the survey, 58% have experienced some form of natural hair loss, with many of them noting a negative attitude towards them from other people: almost a third (31%) say they have to put up with jokes about their hair loss, while 20% find that other people often overestimate how old they are and 11% believe that others see them as less attractive.

Dr Hugh Rushton, one of the UK’s leading trichologists comments: “These findings do not surprise me in the least. Male pattern hair loss can have far reaching effects on some men and yet in most cases,

it is a treatable condition that can be halted or even reversed. Men who are concerned about their hair loss should be actively encouraged to seek help rather than suffer.”

Clearly, hair loss can have a negative impact on a significant proportion of men and yet it is interesting to see that only 4% of men affected who took part in the research have sought medical advice from a GP, pharmacist, trichologist (hair specialist) or dermatologist. Of these, 29% feel that their concerns have not been taken seriously and only 58% have been offered treatment, even though effective treatments are currently available on prescription or over the counter. Despite this, 36% of men in the survey were offered herbal remedies.

Finally, the survey reveals that men would like to be better informed about MPHL, with more than half believing there is not enough information available about hair loss, its causes and possible treatments.

Anyone concerned about MPHL should seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist.

Note to editors:

The male pattern hair loss survey was conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) Direct Services amongst 1,000 British men aged between 16 and 50.

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects half of all men by the age of 50.³ It is so common that some degree of hair loss is considered normal in adult men. An estimated 6.5 million men are affected by mild to moderate MPHL in the UK.⁴

References:

1. A survey of 1,000 males aged between 16 and 50 conducted by TNS Direct Services in May 2005
2. Health and Beauty Treatments – UK – March 2005, Mintel
3. Sinclair R. Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. BMJ Sept 1998; 317: 865-869
4. UK Government Consultation on PROPECIA 2000

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