Many people go through hair loss and feel self-conscious about it. This looks at the differences between men, women and hair loss.

No one wants to lose their hair. Sure, there are some people who choose going bald as a fashion statement or lifestyle choice. To reflect their strength of personality. But it's a choice, not a condition.Going bald is increasing for both men and women, with more stigma for women by far. Men are lucky- they not only age with grace, and gain more respect or admiration- but women losing their hair is something that hasn't been discussed until recently.

Since the late 80s, men have two choices in balding options: shave it, or get plugs. Shaving your head speaks of machismo (look at Bruce Willis, or Sean Connery). It has a feeling of virility, and confidence in your appearance. It's sexy. Getting plugs has come a long way from where it began- an awkward row of plucked hairs looking nowhere natural. The amount of cosmetic hair surgery specialists has also grown, giving men the options they've wanted for ages.

Women balding, on the other hand, is the opposite. When women lose their hair, they lose their crowning glory. Their femininity and identity, in some ways. I think most women are horrified by the thought of losing their hair. But women have their options, too. There's the scarf trend- with many designers incorporating the scarf as a real fashion complement. Wigs can be fun: you can change and alter your look- completely- with different wigs. Blond today, redhead tomorrow.

Women are uncomfortable with wigs, especially if they're obviously not real. But women have the same option as men, getting a hair-weave or plugs...or even shaving. Having a naked head can actually make a woman stand out more. More beautiful, with more focus on her features like eyes and lips. You don't need hair to be an attractive and intriguing woman, you only need the attitude.

The underlying story is, for both genders (regardless of age), you can go bald without losing yourself. Hair is only hair. When we look for partners, there are many other qualities that make us fall in love: a good heart. Nice eyes. A great connection. And not one of the lasting qualities requires a full head of hair.

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