Men and hair loss: A guide for primary care nurses

Male alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is a common condition that affects a significant number of men worldwide. There are a number of causes of male hair loss including side effects associated with cancer treatments. Understanding the causes, management strategies and available support resources tailored to male patients needs is essential so that nurses can offer comprehensive care and support to men who are experiencing hair loss. This article aims to provide nurses with an overview of hair loss, its psychological impact and strategies for supporting men dealing with this condition.

Introduction

The onset of hair loss can be devastating for some men. Men often consider their head hair as crucial to their self-image and identity, they associate having a full head of hair with the notion of what it is to be a man. When a man experiences hair loss this can be a challenge and can cause them distress, signalling a life change for men, impacting their well-being and identity. Nurses can help men adjust and address this significant change to their appearance, helping them manage such a substantial change.