Hair loss is a common experience for many men at a wide variety of stages in their lives, but that doesn’t make it an easy one. While some men choose to shave their heads and move on without a second thought, others see their hair as closely tied to identity, confidence and even youth.
For many men, that reality also carries a social weight. But concern about thinning hair is emerging earlier, with younger men increasingly seeking advice while older men look for ways to maintain what they have. Some are comfortable embracing baldness, while others see treatment as a way to retain a sense of self, highlighting that the experience can be both a societal and deeply personal issue.
Apex Health Co-Founder Tom Bailey said the emotional dimension of hair loss remains significant.
“I think there’s still a lot of stigma with hair loss,” Bailey says. “It can be caused by so many different things, mainly genetic. Men younger and younger are worried more about their hair, and older men are trying to maintain what they have”.
That concern often forces a decision point. Many men reach a stage where they ask themselves whether to shave it off or seek a solution.
“Every man, if they’re balding, reaches a point in their life where they decide ‘am I going to just shave it off?’ And then others look for medical solutions to try and keep it,” Bailey said.
At Apex Health, treatment begins with understanding where a patient is in their hair loss journey and what they realistically hope to achieve. The company focuses on medically prescribed solutions rather than surgical procedures or cosmetic hairpieces, although neither of these are categorically ruled out if the diagnosis or treatment plan recommends it. Bailey stresses that transparency is critical.
“Our solution is really fitted to a category of hair loss, so we don’t give any unrealistic expectations of what [treatment] can and can’t do, and sometimes those other solutions are really what they’re looking for,” Bailey said.
“I think some people have unrealistic expectations of what medical interventions will really do for their hair.
“So if you’re in your 60s, you’re wanting to regrow your whole head of hair and you’ve been bald for 20 years, this isn’t a solution. It’s either a hairpiece or a hair transplant. I think it’s just understanding what their expectations are and saying ‘yes, we can help you with that’ or ‘no, you’re going to have to go to these other solutions.’”
In some instances – particularly for men who have been bald for many years and are hoping for complete regrowth – medical treatment may not be the most appropriate option.
“It really depends on where you’re at in the hair loss journey and where you’re wanting to go,” Bailey added.
In those cases, alternatives such as hair transplants or hairpieces may better align with expectations.
Cost is another factor that can deter people from exploring treatment. High-profile advertising for surgical procedures can reinforce the perception that addressing hair loss requires a major financial commitment.
Bailey acknowledges that many people assume treatment will be expensive. “They would assume that is going to be something that’s quite expensive, but ours isn’t,” he says.
Apex Health’s prescribed hair loss program starts at $39 per month, which includes a doctor’s consultation and medication tailored to the individual patient.
Compared with surgical options that can cost thousands of dollars, Bailey describes the monthly model as achievable and designed to lower the barrier to entry for those considering treatment.
Beyond the treatment itself, there is also the question of how care is delivered. For Australians accustomed to visiting a GP in person, switching to online healthcare can feel like a significant change. Bailey believes the shift toward telehealth – a trend accelerated during COVID – has reshaped expectations.
“Since COVID, people have realised that a lot of things can be done in a much more convenient, private and easier way,” he said.
Through Apex Health’s online portal, patients register, choose the program they’re interested in and book a consultation. Most pre-qualification and assessments are handled during the doctor’s consult itself, with wait times typically short.
For many men, privacy is a decisive factor. Discussing hair loss can be uncomfortable, and the option to consult a doctor without sitting in a waiting room can remove a psychological hurdle. Convenience also plays a role, particularly for those balancing work and family commitments.
Ultimately, Bailey says the key is informed, realistic decision-making. Hair loss may carry a societal stigma for some and be a purely personal concern for others, but the availability of tailored medical options – delivered through increasingly accessible online platforms – is expanding the choices available.
Whether that means embracing baldness or seeking treatment, the decision should be grounded in clear expectations and professional advice.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
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