To resume, loss of any kind affects people in different ways. Some individuals with hair loss do fine. They may feel "bald is beautiful" and shave their heads. Others, however,  may become depressed and anxious, their self-esteem may go down, and they may become more and more withdrawn from the world. They often begin to avoid intimate contact with others. These can constitute major negative effects on physical and psycho-emotional health.

In general, men and women express many different motives for desiring hair restoration. Perhaps they wish to look as young as they feel, or they may see it as a gift to themselves for all the hard work they have done. Some see it as a step up in the business world, or they may see it as a requirement if they work in the entertainment industry. Women often strongly identify their femininity with having long, thick hair. Some people simply see their desire for attractive hair as integral to their overall sense of wellbeing.

Men in their 30's and early 40's are more comfortable about the decision to undergo hair transplant surgery. Many have considered the procedure for some time, but faced with the difficulty of getting accurate information and finding a doctor they trust, they may wisely delay the decision. But some factors may finally push them to become serious in pursuing hair restoration surgery. These factors may include a business decision, a divorce, or the availability of financial resources.

Young men in their 20's with hair loss are having hair restoration procedures more frequently today. These men have the  perception that their balding is aging them at an accelerated rate and they often feel deprived of an essential element of their youth. For these young hair transplant candidates, panic sometimes generates the decision to get their hair back. The premature loss of hair becomes equated, in their minds, with the premature loss of their youth.

Hair is indicative of a healthy, youthful appearance. It is difficult for a young man who is balding to sort out his identity when surrounded by a world of hairy, healthy, "normal" appearing young men.