Yes, the subject of hair loss is certainly a delicate one. He might have mentioned to you that the thought of losing his hair bothers or even scares him. But some men try to “ignore” it, expecting it to be only temporary. Either way, if he has indeed started to lose his hair, then he’s probably very much aware of it. 

Your support can help turn his negative outlook around. And give him the confidence boost to look for possible solutions, if he desires. The emotional impact of hair loss in men is real. So approaching the topic with caution is key. Most importantly, it’s completely normal, and we should begin treating it as so.

It’s no surprise that for most men their hair is a fundamental part of their identity. Of their confidence, and even their “manliness”.

Because of this, the simple idea of losing it can be very, very devastating. And so as a mother, sister, wife or partner, having to witness your loved one experiencing the emotional impact of hair loss can be really heart wrenching.

Male Pattern Baldness, or balding, is, in fact, so common that an estimated two-thirds of men will be affected by the time they reach 35 years of age. And, by the time men turn 50, nearly 85 percent will have significant hair thinning, the American Hair Loss Association reported.

Understanding him goes a long way.

If you notice that your son, brother, husband or partner is getting emotionally affected by his hair thinning situation, try talking with him about it. The simple act of showing up in a supportive way will help him to ease the stress and sense of loss that often accompanies any male pattern baldness.

But… how do you approach the subject? And most importantly, what possible solutions can you suggest him to ease up his experience? We’ve gathered them up for you.

1. Be reassuring.

Experiencing signs of hair loss usually triggers negative emotions about growing old, or a sense of losing his sex appeal.

Assure him that hair loss in men is completely normal. And that it won’t affect what he truly means for you.

2. Know that he may experience a sense of shame.

If you can wait for him to bring up the subject by himself, then do so. Understand that almost 60% of men have experienced some kind of “bullying” or teasing because of hair loss.

Even if he openly jokes about it, it gives you the opportunity to talk about the topic in a natural way. Letting him know that he can trust you with any shame he might feel will help him open up and feel more comfortable speaking about it.

3. Encourage ways to help him minimize his stress.

Men don’t typically enjoy feeling like they have lost control over situations. Hair loss, in particular, is one of those situations that he may have no control over. This sense of losing control can often lead to stress.

And the biggest trigger to continued hair shedding is the stress created upon noticing the shedding itself. When we begin to notice we are losing hair, our stress levels go up, causing even more hair to fall out.

Encouraging ways to reduce his stress levels caused by balding can really help to ease it up. How? Trying relaxing activities such as yoga, walking or exploring new hobbies.

4. Suggest easy, practical solutions.

The vicious stress cycle we mentioned before is where most people get stuck in when they first notice any hair loss signs. A way to break it is to consider using products that instantly reduce the visibility of those bald spots, like hair fibers.

Giving himself a break from the stress caused by visually experiencing these bald patches can actually give his hair the chance to return to its natural growth phase. No extra added stress.

Today there are many treatment options available for both men and women going through hair loss. Some, more invasive than others –like hair transplants– can result in overwhelming first steps that he may easily shy away from.

Starting small with products that really allow him to feel in control can very much ease his pain.

He’s got you, no matter his follicle count!

Regardless of how you decide to support your man suffering from hair loss, your understanding and support of his feelings will have a great impact. Assuring him that you are by his side no matter how many hairs he has left on his head will make the difference.

As a mother, sister, wife or partner, your contribution will help ease up the emotional impact of hair loss in men… and make your relationship even stronger.