Society is now at a point where even a prince of England is not immune the increased stigma of baldness in men. In recent weeks, various news outlets have blasted Prince Harry by poking fun at his balding head and urging him to get a hair transplant. New photos showing the prince with a refurbished hairline and much fuller head of hair lead to speculation over if he received a hair transplant or not. Whether or not the rumors are true, the commotion over his hair reveals a lot about how society views male baldness, especially when famous individuals are involved.
Conversations over hair transplants have gained traction as a rising number of public figures, from athletes to royalty, undergo procedures to restore their hairlines. While other cosmetic surgeries are largely normalized, mens hair transplants are often judged or considered scandalous, and mens balding remains a stigmatized topic.
Although hair loss affects all genders, it is the most common among men. Two thirds of the male population will experience hair loss before the age of 30. Male pattern baldness is often viewed by society as a sign of aging or poor health, which can lessen the confidence and sense of dignity of those who struggle with hair loss. One study found that 75 percent of men reported that hair loss had a negative impact on their self esteem, largely because they faced more societal problems and judgement. Due to pressure from an appearance-oriented society, many men turned to hair transplant surgeries to restore their lost, youthful locks.
It is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure in Hollywood, an industry where aesthetics are heavily valued, and a full head of hair can give actors a competitive advantage. While male celebrities have not disclosed how their hairlines magically reappeared, others openly discussed how they have handled their hair loss and promoted the procedure. Alongside celebrity endorsements, hair transplant success stories posted on various social media platforms also helped to normalize the surgery. Hair transplants fix more than just the scalp, however; it reinstills confidence and is a form of self empowerment.
On the other hand, many choose to embrace their baldness, despite societal challenges. A few public figures, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michael B. Jordan and Steve Harvey turned what could be a source of insecurity into their signature look. Additionally, Prince Harry may have opted for a hair transplant, his brother William authentically embraced the natural process of balding.
Whether it’s through hair implantation or going fully bald, individuals struggling with hair loss should feel free to choose whichever option makes them feel the most empowered and comfortable without any judgement. The current discourse pertaining Prince Harry’s rumored hair transplant can act as a stepping stone towards normalizing a regular part of the aging process and putting an end to the stigma.
