Virginians treating baldness more than the average American: GoodRx

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginians are seeking treatment for baldness at higher rates than the average American, per a recent study.

In late October, GoodRx released a study in which it explored how many people across the United States are trying to treat their hair loss. Researchers did so by examining fill rates for prescription hair loss drugs like finasteride, Propecia and minoxidil among males between the ages of 18 and 44 years old.

GoodRx discovered that these fill rates vary state by state -- something researchers say is more reflective of a person's circumstances and environment than it is their DNA.

"To be sure, the geographic disparity in fill rates isn’t due to genetics," GoodRx said. "Male-pattern baldness is common across the U.S., but the willingness to treat it depends on money, access, and social acceptance of hair loss and baldness."

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According to the study, nationally, about 0.7% of all prescriptions filled for males between 18 and 44 years old are hair loss medications.

On a state-by-state level, Washington, D.C. ranks first with a fill rate of 3.7%, which is five times higher the national average. It's followed -- and not closely -- by the states of Massachusetts (1.6%), New York (1.5%), California (1.4%) and Connecticut (1.2%).

"Together, these states and cities highlight a pattern: The states with the highest fill rates for prescription hair-loss medications tend to have a higher average income," GoodRx said. "They are also home to urban centers where professional polish may be of extra importance."

But where does Virginia fall on the list? It comes in just above the national average at about 0.72%.

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The Commonwealth's neighbor, West Virginia, has the smallest fill rate of 0.18%. It is joined by states like Mississippi (0.24%), North Dakota (0.24%), Wyoming (0.27%) and Alabama (0.28%).

Meanwhile, other nearby states like Maryland, Delaware and North Carolina sit near the middle of the pack, coming in at 0.86%, 0.69% and 0.58%, respectively.

You can read GoodRx's full report here.