Supporting your partner through hair loss: what you can do

As we get older, our appearance naturally starts to decline, and while for some people, you would be hard-pressed to notice any difference in the way they look, for others, it can be much more discernible.

Many of us women worry about wrinkles, stretch marks, and certain parts of our bodies being less ‘perky’ than they once were. But for men, its hair loss that can be the biggest cause of concern.

Hair, or rather lack of it, is one of the first things we notice about a man. But for those who are follically challenged, it can be a deeply personal, potentially embarrassing and emotional experience, especially if they feel insecure or struggle with self-esteem as a result.

As a partner, you have an opportunity and even an obligation to provide comfort, understanding, and encouragement to your man if they are notably hurting as a consequence of this condition. In the same way as you would expect them to do similar for you if something about your appearance was causing you consternation.

Ultimately, your support can make a world of difference to help him cope with the changes in a healthy, positive way. So, with that in mind, here’s a guide on how you can give him the empathy and help he needs at what is a difficult time for him.

Facts about male hair loss

Firstly, you might be interested in a few facts about hair loss. This condition is known as alopecia and is a term that relates to losing your hair or going bald.

It is estimated that about 70 per cent of men will experience some hair loss as they age, and for 25 per cent of males, the first signs will become apparent by the age of 21.

Most men inherit genes that predispose them to baldness, which starts at the crown of the head, the temples, and the front of the scalp. However, hair loss can also be brought on by medical conditions or other hormonal changes.

How to support your partner

If your partner is suffering from hair loss and not feeling good about it in general, here are some of the main ways you can support him.

1. Be sensitive to his feelings

Ask yourself this question. How would you feel if you developed a bald patch? If the answer is, ‘not great’, then you should begin to understand what your loved one is going through.

At this time, your man needs you to be supportive because losing his hair can be a devastating blow to his self-confidence. It can also make them feel anxious and that they are losing control over their appearance and identity.

It is important that you do not tease him about the hair loss or say things that might make him feel self-conscious about it, such as mentioning how much you love Jason Momoa’s wild straggled locks when you are watching Aquaman. 

Instead, make sure you reaffirm your love for him however he looks, and try to encourage him to express his feelings without pushing for him to do so.

He might also naturally be exhibiting a negative mindset, so try to help him turn his into a more positive one.

2. Explore treatment options

If your man is experiencing hair loss that is getting him down, there are some forms of treatments you might like to explore with or for them.

One is a Gro Clinics Hair Transplant which many men in Australia have benefited from. Another is topical medications, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral finasteride (Propecia), the suitability of which a doctor can advise you about.

Don’t be surprised if your partner rejects both of these solutions initially because it might be confronting for them. However, there is no harm in you doing the research for them and holding it in reserve until such time as they are ready to take this form of action.

3. Try other solutions

Aside from transplants and topical medications, there are several other things you can do to stave off the acceleration of hair loss.

For instance, switching to an anti-thinning shampoo can be an effective way to add volume to your partner’s hair while also nourishing its follicles with amino acids and vitamins that will help it to thrive.

Additionally, some people believe that scalp massages can help promote hair growth by allowing blood to flow more freely to the follicles while taking multivitamins that are rich in zinc, folic acid, and iron may also help healthy and thick hair to grow back consistently.

4. Make love more

Yes, you read that right. Having (more!) sex has been linked to increased hair growth.

Some studies have suggested that our bodies produce increased levels of testosterone and estrogen when we engage in the physical act of love, which may assist hair growth through increased blood flow.

Even if this does not happen straight away, your partner will appreciate the increased desirability you are showing them at a time when they are probably feeling very self-conscious about their own attractiveness.

5. Counselling and support groups

Some men have a hard time opening up, so if you believe your partner is really struggling to come to terms with the hair loss, try to encourage them to consider seeing a counsellor.

Alternatively, point them in the direction of one of the AAAF, which runs support groups for men who are experiencing hair loss, both online and in person.