“It took years for me to grapple the obvious fact that I was getting bald” – Paul Adeagbo
How hair loss in men affects their self esteem
Just like women, hair loss in men can put a damper on self-esteem and confidence. While some men will make the transition from a full head of hair to balding look very easy, there is undoubtedly a sense of dread that comes over anyone when they see the first signs of their hairline retreating. The retreating hairline, which is the most common symptom of androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, often contributes to a man looking older.
This seemingly small change can cause a dramatic loss in confidence. This issue is amplified even more when the hair loss occurs at an early age when the majority of other men still have a full head of hair.
“Getting bald for me wasn’t a problem rather the age it came; my mid-twenties” – Paul Adeagbo
This issue comes to a head especially for those who have to speak publicly at conferences, or make presentations in front of important investors, clients, or colleagues. In these situations where appearance is just as important as the substance being delivered, balding men can struggle to present the best version of themselves.
Causes of hair loss in men
There are many reasons for hair loss in men. Alopecia can occur due to hormonal problems, mechanical follicle damage, autoimmune conditions, or as a result of chemotherapy.
The most common cause of male hair loss is androgenic alopecia (also known as androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness). In this condition, the scalp becomes more sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shortens hair growth cycle length and reduces hair follicle output. The result is fewer hairs growing over time in certain areas like on the top of the head and over the temples. The hairs that do grow are thinner and more breakable than before.
Inspiring baldies
I am always proud of people that defies the societal construct on what it means to be ‘beautiful/handsome’ and define what that means to them — choosing to live their truth courageously and unapologetically.
In a research I conducted, PAUL ADEAGBO, a mathematician and a life coach revealed what it means to be living with Alopecia and how that has shaped him into becoming the man that he is. With pictures to show his gradual hair loss process. What followed was a journey of self acceptance, a love affair with face caps, the hair salon and a redefinition of what it means to be ‘bold, bald and handsome’.
“It took years for me to grapple the obvious fact that I was getting bald. Getting bald for me wasn’t a problem. Rather, it was the age it came; my mid-twenties. It shook my self esteem because I imagined how the world, especially ladies, were going to handle a young bald guy like myself.
“So I kept trying different hair cuts and products. Unfortunately, they offered temporary solutions.
“October 2019, I decided to listen to my barbers and innate hair loss. I had skin cut for the first time. I stood before the mirror finding a different fellow staring back at me. I was strange to myself. For the first time, I wish I had magical powers to stop this new reality from going forward. But I just couldn’t. My friends voted against my new look but slowly accepted the fact of my situation.
“In order to avoid the world from noticing my dilemma, I visited the salon every week. I still visit the salon every week but I no longer care what the world thinks about me, and I’m still single. My mantra is to appear my best and if anyone chooses to judge me unfairly because of my baldness, they will be the ones to lose out, not me.”
We are so accustomed to being constantly told what needs to be adjusted, that we are forgetting that the very “adjustment” itself does not make us feel attractive.
