Survey results indicate hair loss affects employment, body-image, self esteem and finding a sexual partner

MONTREAL, Quebec -- November 1, 2000 -- Canadian men who are losing their hair say that it was harder for them to find their current job than for men who are not losing their hair. The same trend emerged among females. In contrast, the more hair a person has, the easier it was to find a job, according to a national telephone survey of 1,502 men and women aged 18 and over conducted for the Canadian Hair Research Foundation (CHRF).

"The survey confirms what we see in our clinics. Career advancement, and livelihood can be affected by hair loss," indicated Dr. Jerry Shapiro, President of the CHRF and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia. "A recent German study¹ also shows that hair loss has a quantifiable impact on job opportunities. The study found that when applying for jobs, 41% of men with full heads of hair were selected for job interviews while only 27% of balding men were selected. Clearly, hair loss can have an impact on employment," he stressed.

Survey highlights

• Most Canadians (81%) believe physical appearance can affect career advancement and 1 in 8 respondents think that hair loss is a barrier to getting a job;
• Most women (60%) prefer men with hair and the younger the respondents (age 18 to 34), the stronger the preference (70%);
• 1 in 4 Canadians believe it is harder for a man who is losing his hair to find a sexual partner; 40% of younger Canadians (age 18 to 24) share this belief;
• Among Canadians losing their hair, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men say they are concerned by their hair loss; younger men (age 18 to 24) expressed the most concern (41%);
• Those seeking help tend to consult a physician, or a hairstylist;
• Still, 1 in 4 Canadians experiencing hair loss have no idea who to turn to for help;
• When asked to name products used to treat their hair loss, only 8% identified products scientifically proven to be effective.

Overall, the survey indicates people with hair loss rate themselves as less happy in life and are more self-critical. They see themselves as looking older than their age and as less physically attractive. They also admit to feeling less at ease in social situations, having lower self-esteem and less confidence. They experience greater discomfort when meeting people for the first time and say they are less likely to defend their ideas during friendly discussions.

To ensure a valid comparison between the responses of those who are losing their hair and those who are not, the Canadian men and women who participated in the telephone survey conducted by Baromètre from August 4 to 15, were asked questions related to personal contentment and their self-perceptions before being asked questions specifically relating to hair loss.

"Our objective for the survey was to gain some insight into the perceptions of Canadians in general about hair loss and in particular to find out what men and women who are losing their hair find most difficult about their condition," said Dr. Shapiro. "Earlier studies^{2 3} have shown that male pattern hair loss contributes to poor self-image among men. Our survey confirms these findings."

Hair loss affects finding a sexual partner

One in four Canadians believe it is harder for a man who is losing his hair to find a sexual partner. Significantly, more men than women expressed this view (27% compared to 21%). The influence of physical appearance is even greater in the younger generation. In the 18 to 24 year old group of respondents, 41% of both men and women said it is harder for a man with hair loss to find a sexual partner.

Canadians obsessed with hair

Men who are losing their hair are more obsessed by it than women. When asked what they would like most to change about the way they look, 21% of men experiencing hair loss wish for more hair, compared to only 9% for women. Among all Canadians, the desire for more hair is second only to the national obsession with weight.

Treatments for hair loss

One third of women and one fourth of men who are losing their hair say they are concerned by it. Young men between the ages of 18 and 34 expressed the most concern -- approximately 400,000 young Canadian men are currently worried about their hair loss.

When respondents were asked which products they were using to treat their hair loss, only 8% named products that have been scientifically shown to be effective. "That is not a very reassuring situation," noted Dr. Shapiro. "Canadians continue to spend too much money on modern-day quackery and dubious treatments when we now have scientifically proven effective therapies."

The Canadian Hair Research Foundation

An important part of the Canadian Hair Research Foundation's mission is to provide objective information to help overcome ignorance about hair loss and its treatments. To this end, the Foundation has set up a toll free telephone information line and a Web site. Since its establishment last year, more than 4,000 requests for free informational pamphlets have been received from Canadians concerned about hair loss.

"We are encouraged by the Canadian public's response to the Foundation and we look to widen our information outreach programs because, as this survey demonstrates, there is a need for reliable, trustworthy information on this condition," concluded Dr. Shapiro.

Launched in 1999, the CHRF is a not-for-profit organization raising funds to finance basic research aimed at increasing understanding of the physiology of hair and to inform and educate Canadians concerned by hair-related conditions. To make a tax-deductible donation or to receive copies of free information pamphlets, Canadians are invited to call the CHRF at (604) 875-4111 Local 66644 or to visit the CHRF Web site at www.hairinfo.org.

1. Tischer B. Influence of hair loss on employment decisions. EMNID Institute; abstract presented at American Academy of Dermatology meeting, San Francisco, March 2000.
2. Franzoi SL, Anderson J, Frommelt S. Individual differences in men's perceptions of and reactions to thinning hair. J Soc Psychol 1990;130:209-18
3. Cash TF. The psychological effects of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol 1992;26:926-3