Within the human species, hair has survived largely as an ornamental appendage and as a means of sexual attraction. Those who have a nice head of hair generally don't realize its powerful significance. In fact, they take it for granted. The full psychological and social importance of one's hair becomes shockingly clear, however, should a bald patch be found or one's hairline begins to recede. For a woman, loss of hair diminishes her sense of sexual appeal and perhaps lessens her chance of finding a mate; for a man, it fuels his fear of aging and impotence, badgering his self-confidence. Simply put, hair is a powerful sexual signal. A particular hairstyle (or a change in hairstyle) can reflect a need to be true to oneself - whoever and whatever that self is at the time - plus a willingness to wear this badge of self-assurance. The story of women's hair has defined the process of women's liberation. As men have rebelled against a stuffy society's code of behavior, they, too, have change the ways they wear their hair. Hair is a vital part of our public image --- so much so that loss of it can be painful. Its value is priceless; its loss, devastating. People experiencing hair loss generally don't talk about it; clearly, some individuals are just not bothered by it. But many are, and when they speak of their experience they reveal a surprising level of emotional distress. Both women and men speak of feeling insecure around the opposite sex (indicating a feeling of not measuring up to those who do have hair). Some say they feel self-conscious. Many individuals experiencing hair loss feel that their appearance simply does not convey to the public who they really are. Men are perceived (and treated) as older than their years, and women are viewed as asexual beings (a feeling also reported by men).
We rely on our hair. It can make a powerful statement, a tool with which we speak without saying a word.