Hair Loss Camouflaging Agents Improve Self esteem and Appearance

2 Studies Support Positive Effect of Hair Camouflaging Agents

 

Ring and Keller 2017

A 2017 study by Ring and Keller provides evidence that scalp camouflaging agents generally have a positive effect for patients with hair loss.

The authors surveyed 359 patients on various internet blogs. Of these, 348 (97%) reported hair loss, and 281 (78%) had seen a physician about their hair loss. Camouflaging agents were used by 283 (79% of respondents), and the products chosen were most often the topical hair-building fibers (59%), followed by hairpieces and wigs (51%). 43 % used topical concealing agents daily. 82 % of respondent said that use of these products improved  their appearance and 71% indicated that use of such products improved self-esteem.

Respondents indicated that there were negative aspects of concealer use and these included “messiness” ( particularly on clothing, bedding, and bathroom surfaces), time needed for application, expense, itchiness, anxiety over concealers being conspicuous or unnatural looking, and the potential for wind, rain, and swimming to remove these products.

The authors then attempted to contact 20 regional dermatologists specializing in hair loss to ascertain if these products were recommended; only 4 dermatologists responded, and surprisingly none recommended these products. The authors felt this confirmed the hypothesis that dermatologists are not well versed in these products (at least in 2017).

Although most respondents saw a physician for hair loss, only 3%  learned about concealing products from their physician.  

Pinski 2014

Pinski evalauted the satisfaction of 40 men and women using hair fiber product. A very significant proportion of patients reported a high level of satisfaction with use of hair fibers and 88% were pleased with the way the fiber matched their own hair color.

Conclusion

These are helpful studies that highlights the importance of hair concealing agents. It’s clear that these products help improve the way people feel about themselves and improve self-esteem. The author of the Ring and Keller study put forward the notion that physicians need to do a better job promoting these products given how generally safe they are.

REFERENCE

Ring et al. Effect of camouflaging agents on psychologic well-being: A cross-sectional survey of hair loss patients. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2017 Jun;76(6):1186-1189.

Kevin S Pinski. Patient satisfaction following the use of a hair fiber filler product to temporarily increase the thickness and fullness of thinning hair. Skinmed. 2014 Sep-Oct;12(5):278-81.