Shave of the brave: Self-concept in chemotherapy-induced hair loss

Abstract

Historically, hair has played an important role in society, symbolising masculinity and virility in males and youthfulness and beauty in females. Furthermore, hair has traditionally been indicative of social, religious and professional status. For example, Christian priests and monks once shaved the crowns of their head to symbolise a lack of vanity and their vow of chastity. In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh always wore a wig to denote his status. For women, hair is an important indicator of femininity and attractiveness in society. The term "crowning glory” was used in the Bible to denote a woman’s hair: "but for a woman, if her hair is abundant, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering" (Corinthians 11: 15). Figures from the United States indicate that the average woman spends approximately $50,000 on her hair over her lifetime, thus illustrating the importance of hair ...