Importance of hair and its symbolic role in society

Hair plays a significant role within Western society. A full head of hair connotes feelings of masculinity, virility, youthfulness and health.

In 1992, researchers at Old Dominion University in Virginia surveyed 145 men suffering from hair loss. They discovered that 84% of the balding men were preoccupied with their hair loss. Often the men would use such words as "self-conscious", "helpless", and "envious of other men" to describe themselves.

The British Journal of Psychology reports that balding men are often regarded by society as older, weaker, less desirable, and are more likely to be denied for promotions or raises over their peers (1995).

The importance of hair dates back thousands of years

The importance of hair is definitely not a new phenomenon. A great amount of cultural importance was placed on hair throughout the course of history as well.

Hair has not only been a symbolic indicator of gender, but of social, religious and professional status as well.

• In Ancient Egypt, sons of the Pharaoh wore their hair in a bun on the right side of their head, and the Pharaoh himself always wore a wig.
• The age-old tradition of English judges wearing wigs continues to be carried through today. Modern day male and female English judges wear artificial horsehair wigs when they preside in court.
• Early Christian monks and priests shaved the hair on the crowns of their heads. This clearly visible mark symbolized their vow of chastity, and their lack of concern with vanity.
• The Biblical tale of Samson details the story of a man who has the strength to destroy the Philistines as long as his hair remains long and uncut. As soon as Delilah cuts his hair, he loses all of his strength.

Preoccupation with hair loss is certainly not a modern practice either. For example, in 1150 BC, Egyptian men smeared their scalps with fat from lions, crocodiles, serpents, geese, and hippopotamuses in an attempt to prevent baldness. Even Hippocrates prescribed an application of cumin, pigeon droppings, and horseradish to the scalp as a hair loss prevention method.

To learn more about modern hair loss treatments, visit the Hair Loss Treatment Options page.