Psychological Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia on Women: Comparisons with Balding Men and Female Control Subjects
October 1993
in “
Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR Hair loss affects women's mental health more than men's, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and social insecurity.
Women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) experience negative psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, social insecurity, lower self-esteem, and dissatisfaction with their appearance compared to balding men and female control subjects. The study found that hair loss has a greater negative impact on women's mental health than men's, with women experiencing a more negative body image and less adaptive functioning. Women with AGA experience more significant psychological effects than men, including anxiety, lower self-esteem, and higher levels of social anxiety due to feelings of diminished attractiveness. Psychological support is necessary for women with AGA.