Being bald or balding sometimes drives people to desperate measures; unproven hair loss products and the comb-over technique are just two. Given the prevalence of pattern baldness, you might think our society would more readily accept hair loss, but, in fact, hair loss can have serious psychological ramifications.

"For most people, hair is an integral part of themselves, so hair loss really represents losing a part of themselves and their self image," says Jerry Cooley, MD, of the Carolina Dermatology Hair Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. "Hair is also associated with youth, vitality and energy, so, for right or wrong, most people consider people with hair more attractive."