How hair loss affects self-esteem

If you’ve ever brushed your hair or looked in the drain after a shower and been shocked at how much hair you see, you have an idea of how it feels to deal with hair loss. Hair loss can have various causes, including age, hormonal imbalances, stress, and untreated medical conditions. Whatever the reason, dealing with hair loss can have a severe impact on one’s mental health. How you look is important in today’s society, and there is a strong connection between appearance and self-esteem.

Why Is Appearance Important to Our Mental Health?

Appearance is closely related to an individual’s mental health and how they feel about themselves. Every time someone turns on the TV or computer or picks up their phone, the media bombards them with anti-aging messages that promote unrealistic pictures of beauty and youth.

Because of cultural and societal expectations, most men and women think their value to society is related to how they look or how their appearance conforms to social standards and expectations.

Society tends to view hair loss negatively or as a problem that should be fixed or covered up. Because of these societal standards, when a person experiences sudden or early hair loss, their self-confidence and self-esteem can suffer.

Most people experience some hair loss during their lives due to the inevitable and natural effects of aging. However, even when hair loss isn’t sudden, it can still be a source of stress and anxiety that can lead to depression.

Unfortunately, if your hair loss is causing excessive stress and anxiety, it can compound the effect on your mental health. In some cases, dealing with hair loss can lead to depression and cause people to become less connected in relationships and more isolated because they don’t want people to know about their hair loss condition.

Can Mental Health Impact Hair Loss?

It’s relatively easy to see how your physical appearance can affect your mental health, but your mental health can also produce physical symptoms.

We often think of physical symptoms as being caused by only physical illnesses, but your mental health can have a significant effect on your body physically. It’s not uncommon for people who are struggling with their mental health to develop physical symptoms, including digestive issues, poor sleep, fatigue, increased allergic response, depressed immune system, and more.

Mental health issues such as stress and anxiety can also cause or contribute to hair loss. Excessive stress can inhibit your hair follicle’s ability to produce strong, healthy hair, leading to weaker strands and overall thinning.

Anxiety, depression, and stress are the three main mental health issues associated with physical ailments that an illness or medical condition can’t explain. And unfortunately, it can become a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

For instance, imagine you begin to experience temporary hair loss due to a highly stressful event in your life, a hormone imbalance, or a medical condition. As your hair gets thinner, you begin to dwell on your hair loss and become self-conscious about the change in your appearance. The added stress leads to more hair loss, and the cycle repeats indefinitely.

Restore Your Hair and Self-Esteem With Mane Image

A full, thick, healthy head of hair is an attribute highly valued in nearly all cultures. Hair represents beauty, strength, health, and power and is a source of attraction for both men and women. With the symbolism and significance placed on hair, it’s easy to see how thinning hair or hair loss can impact self-confidence and self-esteem.

At Mane Image, we understand the connection between a healthy head of hair and self-esteem. Hair loss can create overwhelming emotions and feelings that can lead to mental health issues, which can sometimes worsen your hair loss.

Fortunately, there are solutions available. At Mane Image, our compassionate and experienced team of experts can help you find a solution for your hair loss that will improve your life. To learn more about hair loss and what you can do about it, contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation.