Baldness

[00:00.14] For many it means nothing at all, but to others it is the epitome of their identity.

[00:08.64] As humans, our appearance is often important to us and our hair plays a huge role.

[00:15.28] Whether you have long flowing locks or a swept back do, the way you wear your hair can say something about you. But what if you start to lose it?

[00:27.50] Forty per cent of men experience hair loss by the age of 35, according to the Belgravia Centre UK, one of Europe's largest hair loss treatment centres.

[00:38.12] This figure rises to 80% by the age of 80.

[00:41.84] And women are far from exempt from losing clumps of hair, with 50% of them suffering some form of hair loss in their life.

[00:50.61] It starts with a receding hairline, followed by a thinning of hair on the crown of the head and temples and before you know it, your scalp is showing and you're completely bald.

[01:02.83] Every human naturally loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, according to the UK National Health Service.

[01:10.80] Excluding hair loss caused by disease, baldness is genetic. It's related to the hormone testosterone, which causes a shrinking of hair follicles in susceptible adults.

[01:22.75] This results in the loss of so called 'terminal' adult hair and the production of much finer 'vellus' hairs – like those on the heads of babies.

[01:33.90] 'It can cause considerable damage to emotional health, including loss of self-esteem and confidence.' a spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists told the BBC.

[01:46.12] But if you can't hide it with a comb-over, or a wig, what can you do?

[01:51.17] Well, the ancient Greek medic Hippocrates recommended a mixture of pigeon droppings, mixed with horseradish, cumin and nettles liberally applied to the pate.

[02:02.86] Since then there has been a liberal dose of tonics, creams, pills and hair replacement surgery.

[02:09.76] All of which have had mixed results.

[02:13.48] Now, a potential new cure has been found in a drug that was designed to treat osteoporosis.

[02:20.39] The research, published in PLOS Biology, states that the drug contains a compound that targets a protein which inhibits hair growth and plays a role in balding.

[02:32.61] In short, it stimulates hair to grow. Keep your hair on,though.

[02:37.65] Clinical trials need to take place to ensure the drug is effective and safe to give people.

[02:44.03] And besides, many would say that being bald improves a person's appearance.

[02:49.87] Researchers at The University of Pennsylvania asked male and female students to rate photographs of men according to their attractiveness, confidence and dominance.

[03:01.30] In all three categories, the bald men came out ahead - and not just by a hair's breadth.

[03:08.73] So, whether you love it or hate it or whether it's happening to you right now, you aren't alone.

[03:16.43] A cure may very soon be on its way.

[03:19.89] Until then, relax and let your hair down.