Although we would like to stay young forever, sooner or later, most men (and many women) wake up one day to discover that they are losing their hair. This can be a frightening and unsettling experience, to say the least. Many people feel like going bald means kissing their youthful good looks goodbye, and this can be a difficult thing to accept.
Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to "fight back" against hair loss. From choosing the right haircut to having a positive mental attitude, here are some simple steps that you can take to help you cope with hair loss:
1) Realize that your hair does not determine your self-worth. This is difficult for many people, especially young people, who are used to looking a certain way. When your hair starts to fall out, it is easy to feel like that's all anybody is looking at. But chances are, you notice your own hair loss way more than anyone else. Try to relax. The truth is, most people are way more concerned about your personality than the way you look. And those that aren't are not worth being friends with in the long-run.
2) Learn about your medical treatment options as soon as possible. It may seem strange, but hair loss is an actual medical condition that can be successfully treated in most cases. From over-the-counter and prescription medication to surgical procedures, there are more options for treating baldness than ever before. One thing is certain, though. The sooner you start treating your hair loss, the better the chances are that you will have hair in the future. If you're determined to battle against your own personal hair loss, a trip to your family doctor or dermatologist should be one of the first steps you take.
3)Choose a hair cut that will help take the focus off your hair loss. It's so true...the right hair cut can make all the difference in the world when you start losing your hair. It may seem counterintuitive, but shorter hair cuts usually tend to work better for people who are balding, because longer hair makes the bald patches more noticeable. If you've lost a considerable amount of hair already, you might end up looking better with a completely shaved head. Talk to a good hair stylist who has experience in dealing with people with hair loss. Ask your stylist which cut they think would work best for your situation. Finally, if you don't like one cut, don't be afraid to go someplace else the next time. It may seem like a lot of trouble, but your appearance and self-confidence are worth it.
4) Choose the right styling products. The same hair products you used when you were 13 and had a thick, full head of hair are not the same products you should be using once your hair starts to thin and fall out. Many products are too "heavy" or greasy for thin hair, and will only make your hair loss more noticeable when applied. When deciding on a hair product, you want to look for something that will thicken the hair and provide a matte finish. Beware of products that say they add "gloss" or "shine," as they will usually be too oily. Find a store that will let you return an opened product if you don't like it, and again, don't be afraid to ask the opinion of your hair stylist. They will usually have some great recommendations.
5)Learn to accept the fact that you will eventually be bald...and that it doesn't matter. Hair loss is generally an ongoing, irreversible process. While medical technology has come a long way, and we can now slow down and even reverse hair loss, they haven't figured out a way to stop the inevitable from eventually occurring. Chances are that, one day, you will be completely bald. Hopefully it won't be until you're old enough to not care any more, but try to get comfortable with the fact that hair loss is just a part of life. When you realize that people love you for who you are, and not the hair on your head, your hair loss problem will start to seem less and less important.