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July 2006

New Survey Finds People Understand the Causes of Hair Loss but are at a Loss When it Comes to Seeking Treatment


July 2006

In a recent survey commissioned by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) -- the world's leading medical authority on hair loss and hair restoration -- 82 percent of adults polled correctly identified heredity as the primary cause of hair loss.

However, only 15 percent of respondents would first seek out a hair restoration specialist if they were losing their locks.

"While the survey shows that the majority of people know that they only have to look as far as their family tree to determine the root of their hair loss, there appears to be confusion about who they should consult about it," said Paul T. Rose, MD, JD, president of the ISHRS.

"Early detection and intervention are essential to treating and preventing future hair loss. This common medical condition should be evaluated and treated by a physician specially trained in hair loss and restoration, such as an ISHRS physician. ISHRS physicians are particularly skilled at assisting people who experience hair loss and providing them with appropriate hair loss solutions."

The survey found that a majority of adults believe stress and medical causes can trigger hair loss (both 58 percent), which can cause people to temporarily lose their hair.

Younger adults aged 18-24 are the most likely age group to think over-brushing hair (24 percent) and shampooing too much (20 percent) can cause hair loss, both of which are common myths.

When asked who they would first seek advice if they were experiencing hair loss, four in ten adults (40 percent) would choose a primary care or family physician. Only 16 percent of respondents would consult a dermatologist, and far fewer would turn to a friend or family member (8 percent) or a hairstylist (7 percent) for help.


Other key findings of the survey include:

-- Nearly two-thirds of adults (63 percent) would be very or somewhat concerned if they were recently divorced and started dating again and were experiencing unexplained, noticeable hair loss.

-- About three-quarters of respondents (77 percent) would be very or somewhat concerned if they were in their twenties and just starting out in their career and experiencing unexplained, noticeable hair loss.

-- A vast majority of women (88 percent) would be concerned if they were in their twenties and just starting out in their career and
experiencing unexplained, noticeable hair loss compared to 65 percent of men.

An estimated 80 million American men and women suffer from male and female pattern hair loss. Since hair is universally viewed as a sign of youth and vitality, hair loss can cause a diminished sense of self-esteem and poor self- image that can significantly impact one's overall quality of life.

Fortunately, recent scientific breakthroughs have made hair restoration an option for almost everyone. Hair restoration surgery and proven medical treatments are an effective combination in treating people with thinning hair and limiting future hair loss.

"Our survey demonstrates that people value their hair and are concerned about how hair loss could potentially impact their careers and social lives," added Dr. Rose. "For those seeking treatment, today's hair restoration surgery safely and effectively creates natural-looking, permanent results."

Founded in 1993, the ISHRS is a non-profit medical association dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of hair restoration.

With a membership of over 600 physicians worldwide, the ISHRS provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair loss and restoration surgery and serves as a resource for the public on the latest medical and surgical hair restoration treatments for hair loss.

For more information and to locate a physician, visit http://www.ishrs.org .

This CARAVAN® survey was conducted in June 2006 by Opinion Research Corporation in collaboration with ISHRS. Survey results were based on telephone interviews with 1,023 adults 18 years of age and older living in private households in the continental United States.