Psychology’s Medicalization of Male Baldness

June 2021 in “ Journal of health psychology ”

Glen Jankowski, Hannah Frith

male baldness hair loss products commercial hair loss treatments psychosocial distress

Studysummary This review found that commercial influences may affect how male baldness is represented as a disease and how treatment options are presented, often omitting limitations. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The article critically examines the influence of psychology on the perception of male baldness as a medical condition. It highlights that out of 37 studies reviewed, a majority showed potential commercial bias, with 78% likely having conflicts of interest, and 77% framing baldness as a disease. The studies often used biased samples (68%) and promoted hair loss products or services (60%) without adequately discussing their limitations. The authors call for more independent research and informed consent for men considering commercial hair loss treatments, noting that the evidence for baldness causing significant psychosocial distress is both conflicting and of poor quality, with many studies lacking validated measures and proper control groups.

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