Psychological Effects of Thinning Hair on Women

Thinning hair is likely to bother anyone, man or woman, but it's almost expected for men to experience thinning hair and eventual baldness, while such is not that common for women. Women who suddenly find themselves with thinning hair or areas of baldness may experience a wide range of emotional and mental obstacles. Understanding some of those psychological emotions or impact will help family and friends offer support and encouragement to those experiencing such issues.

Self Esteem

A woman may experience a growing lack of self esteem when she notices thinning hair. While thinning hair is generally accepted in men, such is not readily the case with women, who often receive dubious looks or snickers.

Decreased Body Image

Women equate attractiveness with their appearance, and a woman with thinning hair may feel she is less attractive to others, increasing a sense of embarrassment or shame.

Anxiety

A woman who notes excessively thinning hair or female baldness may feel extremely anxious or depressed over her appearance, leading to increased social withdrawal and isolation from peers and friends in most environments.

Inability to Adapt

Women, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, seem to be less able to deal with the results of hair loss than men and are less accepting of hair loss--and their sense of self confidence--that goes with it.

References

Last updated on: Dec 20, 2009

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