The society's prejudice against people with early hair loss is long-standing and cross-cultural. Between 1 BC and 1 AD, the Roman poet Ovid wrote: "A hornless bull is ugly, a field without grass is an eyesore, a tree without leaves is ugly, and there is no hair. The head is ugly." In the story of "Arabian Nights" written about 800-900 AD, Shan Razad asked: "Is there anything in the world that is uglier than an artichoke man without a beard and a bald head? ?"

Considering this strong feeling, it is not surprising that lotions, potions and snake oils used to prevent or treat baldness have historically been used. The treatment methods are diverse and often scary, but they have one thing in common, that is, they don’t work! A medical document dating back to 1550 BC shows that Egyptians like to use hippos, crocodiles, male cats, and snakes. Mix with wild goat fat, or boil porcupine hair in water and apply it on the scalp.

Hippocrates, considered the father of western medicine, prescribed a prescription that was a mixture of opium, horseradish, pigeon feces, beetroot, and spices. Emperor Caesar liked the treatment proposed by Cleopatra, using grated mouse, horse teeth, and bear grease. In the 19th century, cold Indian tea and chunks of lemon were popular. This may have a sweeter smell than some early alternatives and a lesser threat to local wildlife, but it is also ineffective.

Finally, there are two drugs that can prevent or slow down certain types of hair loss. Topical minoxidil is effective for some male pattern baldness and alopecia areata, but not for other types of hair loss. Finasteride can also be used to treat male pattern hair loss, although the 2% risk of side effects, including decreased libido and erectile or ejaculation dysfunction, limits the latter’s appeal to many people.

The earliest non-surgical hair in Egypt dates back to 3000 BC and was found in a tomb near Hierakonpolis, the ancient capital of Egypt. It is known that Emperor Caesar once wore one and two ancient Greek statues with wigs are still preserved. Over time, the use of wigs became obsolete. King Louis XIII of France wore a wig to cover his baldness, prompting the resurgence of wigs in France in the 17th century. French and British aristocrats liked to wear huge wigs with delicate curly hair. Early American colonists also began to imitate the nobles' approach. It was not until the outbreak of the American Revolution that this style of hairstyle imitating Europe was no longer popular.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, wigs to cover up baldness became popular again. In the United States and later in the United Kingdom, people’s perceptions turned to focus on youthful appearance rather than maturity. Baldness was seen as a sign of aging and was considered unattractive. By the 1950s, it was estimated that more than 350,000 American men wore wigs. By 1959, US sales were estimated to be 15 million US dollars per year. By 1970, there were more than 2.5 million men wearing wigs in American toupées. In the UK, over time, the old world followed the trend of the new world, using wigs to cover up thinning or baldness and increase social confidence. There is no doubt that part of the reason for the resurgence of wigs is the increase in the quality of the available wigs. This development was largely initiated by Max Factor, who took the lead in creating an exquisite flesh-colored lace with almost every hair woven from real hair. According to personal needs, various hairstyles and lengths are available.

Although the quality of wigs increased in the 20th century, their popularity declined. Non-surgical hair often become the laughingstock of bad jokes and horror stories, and wigs are lost in socially awkward moments. An early example of "toupée humor" is an illustration from the 1837 "Manga Almanac". In this sketch of George Crookshank, a strong wind blew off a man's wig. In addition to jokes about inappropriate wigs or wigs, people's attitudes toward hair loss have also changed. From Yul Bryner to Patrick Stewart, TV and screen stars have proved that baldness can also be beautiful. This is a good thing for those who can accept hair loss, but although complete baldness in men is sometimes considered sexy, the process of baldness or gradual hair loss is generally not considered attractive.