The Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia in Men: A Mixed-Methods Survey Study

This study surveyed 177 men with alopecia (94 with alopecia areata [AA] and 83 with androgenetic alopecia [AGA]) to understand its psychosocial impact. It found that men with both types of alopecia reported decreased confidence and lower wellbeing compared to norm-matched populations. Despite these negative impacts, few men sought psychosocial support. The study highlights the need for better understanding and addressing the support needs of men with alopecia, considering factors like masculinity norms and sexual orientation. Men with AA typically developed hair loss later (mean age 29.89) compared to those with AGA (mean age 21.58). Many men sought information or treatment, but often found it unsatisfactory due to expense, side effects, and unclear prognoses. The study underscores the importance of accessible information and tailored psychosocial support for men experiencing hair loss.