More than a quarter of men under the age of 35 turn to drink and drugs due to hair loss, new research shows. The survey of just over 2,000 men, commissioned by Asda Pharmacy, shows the major emotional strain placed on young men who are losing their hair.

41pc of men under 35 said they would rather lose their home or sight in one eye than all of their hair, while 36pc of men under 35 referred to hair loss as one of their biggest worries. Almost four in ten (38pc) of the men surveyed said hair loss makes them feel depressed.

Many reported that the process has had a major impact on their social and romantic lives. Almost a third said they felt a lack of confidence, with some four in ten (39pc) experiencing a lack of sex drive and a third going so far as to avoid socialising with friends.

Hair loss is often seen as an older man's problem, but according to the American Hair Loss Association, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss by the age of 35.