Reasons For Hair Loss in Men Under 25

Hair loss at 20 in males is the common scenario seen these days. The reason for this premature hair loss is somehow attributed to genetics. If an individual has a family history of baldness, he experiences the same hair loss pattern at one point in his life or the other. Apart from genetics, other factors like lifestyle, hormonal imbalance, and illness can also engender hair loss in younger men. Scroll down to know the reasons for hair loss in men under 25 in great detail and also how to treat the condition.

Premature hair loss can occur due to various reasons, and some of them include:

1. Nutrition

Alopecia or hair loss can result from nutritional deficiencies, especially that of protein, iron, and zinc. Men who deprive themselves of nutrition to reach weight loss goals or those who rely on fad diets can develop such deficiencies. To treat them, it’s wise to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal hair health. You can also rely on hair supplements, but make sure not to overdose your body with these nutrients as it can lead to adverse side effects.

2. Autoimmune Disorders

Certain autoimmune disorders are another reason behind hair loss at 20 in males. For instance, alopecia areata is a kind of autoimmune disorder that damages hair follicles.

3. Hormones

Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is a type of genetic hair loss that is common in males. This hair loss occurs when dihydrotestosterone, aka DHT, derived from the male sex hormone testosterone, attacks the hair follicles.

As per scientific theories, DHT results in abrupt hair growth cycles. Since younger men are more sensitive to DHT, they tend to experience premature hair fall or male pattern baldness.

4. Stress

Stress is often linked to hair loss. Any stressful situation in life, such as struggling to get a job, losing a family member, or recovering from illness, can negatively impact hair health.

5. Use of Certain Medications

Hair loss in younger men can also be a possible side effect of certain medications. Medications like antidepressants, high blood pressure drugs, antibiotics, and anticlotting drugs can lead to hair loss. So, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor before taking any medication.

6. Medical Conditions

Temporary hair loss that occurs in men at an early age can also be a result of medical issues like thyroid, anemia, diabetes, cancer, etc. Conditions like cancer call for chemotherapy which leads to hair fall.

When it happens at an early age, hair loss or alopecia can be a sign of a medical problem that needs to be treated. Here are a few well-known treatments doctors suggest for early hair loss:

1. Medications

Although there is no cure for genetic hair loss or male-pattern baldness, a few medications can slow down the rate of hair loss. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride are popular treatments for male pattern baldness. Both these medications can be taken after a dermatologist’s prescription. They need to be adhered to consistently for visible results.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Making positive lifestyle changes can treat certain kinds of hair loss in young men. Apart from eating a nutrient-rich diet, regular scalp massages can help. Also, practicing meditation to de-stress and avoid smoking can prove to be fruitful. Other lifestyle changes that can benefit greatly include:

• Regularly trimming hair to avoid split ends.
• Using only natural hair care products.
• Drying hair naturally and avoiding heat styling tools.
• Sleeping well at night.
• Keeping hydration levels in check.

3. Hair Transplant

Hair transplants are common treatments men adopt to cover their balding scalp. In such procedures, the surgeon will take healthy hair strands from the side and back of the head and shift the strands to bald regions.

4. Wigs and Hairpieces

Wearing wigs and hairpieces is a fail-proof way to cover the bald scalp. This is why many young men struggling with hair loss or receding hairline adopt this practice. The downside of wearing wigs is that they are expensive and need to be removed before bedtime.

Unless you are suffering from male pattern baldness or any other form of genetic hair loss, certain precautions can save you from losing hair in the first place.

• Manage your stress levels to overcome stress-related hair loss.
• Do frequent scalp massages, especially with essential oils, to boost hair growth.
• Pay attention to everyday diet and eat protein-rich foods along with those rich in zinc, iron, and biotin.
• Never comb wet hair as it can lead to hair breakage.
• Take hair supplements to provide nutrition to hair for optimal hair health.

Premature hair loss can be stressful. Luckily, it can be stopped unless it is genetic. And if you have male pattern baldness, it’s wise to consult a good dermatologist who can give you the proper treatment to curb your genetic hair loss.