The stories, medication and treatment of hair loss can be traced back to biblical times, proving that hair loss is a serious concern for those who it affects.

Egyptians to Persians

In the ancient Middle East, the loss of hair was a sign of a loss of virility and considered very shameful. Ancient Egyptians shaved their heads and wore wigs to promote cleanliness and coolness. Wigs were also a sign of status, something we can see throughout history. Pharaohs were buried with abundant head gear. The oldest medical treatment for hair loss dates back to 1500 BC and includes swallowing a mixture and then invoking the sun god.

Various ancient peoples had strict requirements for hair, including shaving all facial hair and growing the hair on the head, shaving the beard but not the mustache, and never shaving the face. Ancient soldiers however were often ordered to keep all their hair short, probably for cleanliness and ease of travel and armor.

Castration Prevents Hair Loss?

Hippocrates failed in his attempt to create a product to re-grow hair, and remained famously bald. He did, however, discover that eunuchs never experienced hair loss. This was affirmed in 1995 when scientists discovered that castration was an effective way to prevent hair loss. They are still searching for a practical way to prevent hair loss.

Europeans and Hair Loss

Wigs were mainly worn by women, until the 1600’s when a French king introduced wigs for men by wearing one, as is the luxury of kings. This fashion remained in effect until the American and French revolutions did away with symbols of rank.

In 18th century Britain men wore long, white powdered wigs to conceal their thinning hair and baldness.

Modern Times and Hair Loss

Since hair has always been a symbol of a man’s virility, male hair loss will always be an issue for men. As men today cannot wear wigs or toupees without being mocked, finding a way to prevent and treat hair growth has become hugely important and very lucrative. It seems men will try anything to retain a healthy head of hair. Modern society is very competitive and based on appearance and status; hair loss is as important an issue as ever. Unfortunately technology has not kept up. While we have medications to treat a great number of serious health problems, there is little in the way of effectiveness.

Hair Loss Treatment

There has been some progress in the way of treating hair loss, though not terribly effectively. Products as well as medical procedures such as hair grafts and implants have been on the rise. Scientists are even working to clone hair follicles in efforts to promote new hair growth. Natural treatments have proven helpful in regrowing lost hair.

While we can expect science to make further advances to prevent hair loss and encourage new growth, perhaps it’s time to consider why hair is so important to men. Certainly some women experience balding and thinning hair, but the use of wigs is much more acceptable for women than it is for men. Since balding is a natural occurrence for many men, we need to find a way for it to be an acceptable state.

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