Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is related to adverse psychological consequences in young men, which is further accentuated by the astronomical growth of the hair transplant industry. However, a deeper insight into AGA and its impact on young men are lacking in the literature. Moreover, its impact is currently measured with general dermatological health-related quality of life questionnaires.
Aims: Aim of this study was hence twofold: (i) to explore the individual experience of men with AGA via a qualitative study and (ii) to use these insights to create and preliminary validate a set of items for measuring quality of life specifically in AGA.
Patients/methods: The qualitative study was carried out on a convenience sample of 11 young men in different stages of AGA. In the quantitative study, items for measuring quality of life in androgenetic alopecia were created and distributed to an online sample of men younger than 35 (N = 129).
Results: Multiple themes and sub-themes were obtained in the qualitative study, highlighting the loss of control, lowered attractiveness, concerns about dating, and an influence on daily functioning the young men felt. In the quantitative study, nine items were retained, demonstrating high reliability, and moderate correlations with self-esteem and subjective well-being.
Conclusions: AGA is a valid issue, which has a marked impact on young men. We believe that further developing and validating a tool that would measure quality of life specifically in AGA, or generally in different alopecia types, is an approach worth taking.
Keywords: androgenetic alopecia; qualitative study; quality of life questionnaire; quantitative study; young men.
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