Our hair is so tied to our self image that a drastic change is often used as an emotional release or identity overhaul. Often a change in style or hair colour can reignite our self esteem and give a new found confidence.
So when that hair starts to vanish, many will do everything in their power to keep that hairline firmly in place taking supplements, getting transplants or disguising it as it creeps backwards.
Dubbed "hairxiety", a new study has revealed that nine in 10 young adults are worried about the possibility of their hair thinning, receding or disappearing entirely.
Discover, learn, grow. We are Curiously. Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Harley Street Hair Clinic, an industry leader in hair transplants, found that Gen Z are already stressed about losing their hair as 88% of 18 to 24-year-olds said they were worried about losing locks.
This is compared to 74% of the wider British population who have healthy locks, meaning the youngest adults are also the most likely to be thinking about the possibility of hair loss.
Hair loss can start in men at any age, but it is usually from puberty onwards, with many beginning to see their hairline recede from their early 20s - by late 30s this tends to be more noticeable.
Pattern baldness is slightly more extreme than just a receding hairline, as the hair across the head thins and bald patches appear, often around the crown of the head. There is a genetic factor to this and pattern baldness can impact any gender - though it is more common in men.
Hair loss as we age is common, with three quarters of men and nearly two thirds of women experiencing some form of it, including two thirds of 18-24 year olds.
Environmental factors can also cause hair loss, including increased stress which can also turn your locks grey as well as cause it to disappear.
This is a self fulfilling cycle, as a third of 18 to 24-year-olds said they are suffering from increased levels of stress directly as a result of them losing their hair. A quarter also said that their general confidence had been knocked by their appearance, specifically due to hair.
Worryingly, a tenth added that their hair loss concerns had impacted their mental health beyond insecurities and results in depressive episodes and thoughts.
Despite the majority of us losing hair thickness and volume over the years, a quarter of people are embarrassed about it thanks to societal taboos and feel unable to talk to anyone.
Nadeem Khan, CEO of Harley Street Hair Clinic said: "We're all under pressure to look and feel our best, young people in particular who are inundated on social media with photos of influencers and celebrities with a thick and luscious mane of hair. It’s not surprising then that people are becoming more anxious about losing their hair and confidence."
The Harley Street Hair Clinic have launched the Hair Track app, which allows users to upload pictures of their hair to see how it changes over time. Users can directly message the clinic’s doctors who can provide tailored guidance about their hair.
"Thats why we’re so excited to launch our hair tracking app, giving people from anywhere in the UK the chance to seek reassurance and guidance from our world class doctors about their hair," added Nadeem.
Do you have a story to share? We pay for stories. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
