For both men and women, hair loss can be a traumatic experience which reduces self-esteem and confidence. However, throughout the developed world, whereas it is quite acceptable, and often encouraged, for a woman to wear a wig when hair loss does occurs, for men, the decision is much harder.
Whether the difference in opinions is due because most women are likely to loose hair as a result of illness, or a side effect of treatment to an illness, and male hair loss is seen as more of a natural process of ageing, it is unclear. But here are two points that you should consider while making your decision about a hairpiece;
- Natural pattern hair loss is much more common then you may realise
- With new advances in technology, today's hairpieces look and feel natural.
You are not alone
Although hair loss can be a personally devastating experience, take heart from knowing that you are far from alone.
According to a survey commissioned by a pharmaceutical company, and reported in the SCMP, nearly 20 years ago, more than 40 per cent of Hong Kong men aged 25 to 54 were suffering from hair loss. [source]
More recently, a study published in the US National Library of Medicine in 2012, by researchers Won-Soo Lee, M.D., Ph.D. and Hae-Jin Lee M.D, found that '... pattern hair loss, is a common disorder in Asian men and women, with a reported incidence of up to 73% among general population.' [source]
By any estimation, these figures are high, and it is perhaps difficult to grasp why a natural process that apparently impacts so many in our community, can be seen in such a negative light. Yet still, in the SCMP article quoted above, respondents talk of feeling disadvantaged in their careers and relationships, because of their receding hair lines.
In Europe and North America, there tends to be a great deal of discussion over whether or not a man should wear a hairpiece, or whether they should relax and allow nature to take her course. But ultimately, this is a very personal situation, requiring a decision that only you can make.
The bad toupees of yesteryear are gone!
In Hong Kong, as with much of the developed world, male grooming is a fast growing industry, with an increasing number of men spending time and money on treatments to improve their overall appearance and well-being. This increased interest in male personal grooming has also fuelled great advances in the technology involved in creating hairpieces for men.
With many of the new advances being developed in the U.S and Europe, today's quality hairpieces are made from 100% real human hair, and use adhesive technology that will keep the piece in place for up to 3 weeks. They retain all the oils of the real hair and are natural to look at and touch. They can be worn continuously throughout the day and night, during all activities including exercising and bathing.
Pat Ma, from HairEasy, has spent over 20 years studying the most advance techniques used today in hairpiece creation. She has a clientèle who repeatedly return to her salon, not because she is the cheapest in Hong Kong, but because she is considered to be among the best in her field.
Pat's business model has always been grounded in learning and utilising the latest technology available. But perhaps more importantly, her clients privacy has remained the cornerstone of the relationships she has built with her long-term clients. Although hair loss may not be uncommon, Pat is mindful of the fact that it is very personal, to you.
