If you have recently asked yourself this question, put on your detective hat and lets get started!
First, it’s important to determine if your husband is bothered by his hair loss. Like any cosmetic procedure, getting hair restoration is a very personal decision and should not be forced.
Step 1. Look for Clues!
Men are adept at hiding their feelings, especially insecurities, but a poker face is no match for the clever gift of intuition. There are clues that will help you quickly uncover the truth about how he feels.
Is he taking longer in the morning to get ready? Is he sitting in the back row at sporting events, concerts, restaurants or church? Is he avoiding recreation that he used to enjoy such as water sports? Is he wearing hats everywhere, even when it’s not appropriate, like to a wedding or a funeral? Or maybe he’s just passing on those events altogether.
These are all signs that he is not ok with his hair loss, which is why it’s important get answers fast.
Step 2: Dig Deeper, Ask Questions at the Right Time
Tip #1: Don’t attempt a dialog about his hair when he’s late for work because he took too long to camouflage his hair loss. Don’t ask about his hair when other people are around. Wait for a more positive, stress free private opportunity.
If the signs are there, it’s important to talk about it. Some men drop hints or make jokes about their hair loss. When that happens, seize the opportunity to talk to him about his options. It’s important to let him know that you love him like he is, but it’s even more important to let him know that you support his decision to make a change. His happiness and self-esteem is what’s important.
Tip #2: Whatever you do, don’t minimize his hair loss. This can be a devastating problem for some people and it doesn’t just ‘go away’ because you say it doesn’t bother you.
Tip #3 Let him know that it’s ok to spend money on himself. A supportive spouse can make all the difference in the world.
At our clinic we find that one of the biggest reasons men delay or avoid hair restoration is guilt. They don’t feel justified spending money on themselves for their appearance. Typically it’s wife and family first. A price cannot be placed on the positive effects of hair restoration for those with hair loss.
Step 3. Search for a Trusted Source
It’s important to have all the facts before your spouse goes any further, but be careful. The hair restoration industry is filled with expensive scams and incompetent peddlers of hair loss solutions that don’t work! You need answers and it’s critical to scope out an authority that you can trust. Here are some guidelines:
- Look for a hair restoration specialist. A cosmetic clinic that does breast augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures besides hair is probably not your best option.
- Look for a clinic that has been in business for more than 10 years. Are they in good standing with the BBB or the ISHRS (international Society of Hair Restoration Surgery)?
- Scour the web for reviews. Patient reviews can be a good indicator of a clinic’s competence.
- Only trust clinics with hundreds of before / after photos.
- Only trust clinics with surgeons who are qualified. An M.D. with certifications and many years of experience in hair restoration is your best bet.
4. Be Supportive
Support and empathy for this very serious issue is the most important thing you can do to help your spouse. If it bothers him it should bother you. The good news is there are many surgical and non-surgical solutions to fix the problem! If you’d like more information about how you can help your spouse restore his hair, please call 800.496.7225 for more information.