“Hair is an accessory we carry with us daily, we feel good when our hair looks good and even speak about ‘bad hair days’ when we have difficult days.”

More than a third of South African women over 30 polled in a new survey say they are showing signs of early hair loss which has impacted negatively on their self confidence, their appeal to their partners and has led to anxiety and depression.

This survey canvassed in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town showed that 37% of 505 women were either showing signs of hair loss (28%), had a serious hair loss problem (8%) or were going bald (1%).

This figure rose to almost half of the respondents aged between 46 and 55, while demographically, the figure was slightly higher among white women at 42%.

Women over 30 were polled in a new survey done by independent company Plus 94 Research.

Dr Colinda Linde, chairperson of the board of the SA Depression and Anxiety Group, said the importance women placed on their hair contributed to feelings of anxiety and depression when faced with hair loss.

“Hair is an accessory we carry with us daily, we feel good when our hair looks good and even speak about ‘bad hair days’ when we have difficult days.”

“Hair has also been associated with youth and vitality, and thinning hair is often an unwelcome reminder of our own mortality. When the hair loss process is accelerated, the stress associated are often amplified as well.” 

Amongst the 505 women polled, the research also found:

1) The majority (69%) believe healthy hair plays a huge part in their self image, while 55% said healthy hair builds self confidence and attracts attention from the opposite sex.

2) A third believes hair loss will affect their appeal to their partner.

3) Almost 75% are spending up to R500 a month on hair care, 13% up to R1 000 and 7% over R1 000.

4) Half say they would be willing to sacrifice a new wardrobe while 39% would sacrifice holidays to solve a hair loss problem.