Hair loss can be a stressful and difficult experience, especially when you start noticing it early in life. While we usually associate hair loss with middle age, it’s common to start losing hair before the age of 25. If you are under the age of 25 and have noticed some degree of hair loss, it is important not to panic. Hair loss is treatable and preventable. However, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent hair loss from getting worse. In this article, we’ll be discussing the reasons why hair loss of 20’s is dangerous.
Reasons for hair loss
Male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men of all ages. It is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors and usually begins in your 20s or 30s. If you are otherwise healthy but start to notice a receding hairline or thinning of the hair on your scalp, it may be due to male pattern baldness.
Medical conditions
Some diseases and medical conditions can cause hair loss. These include thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, fungal infections of the scalp, lupus, autoimmune diseases, hormone imbalances, and other conditions.
Stress, anxiety, and trauma
Severe stress or trauma can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss, called telogen effluvium, usually causes diffuse, rapid hair loss that affects the entire scalp.
Medications
Some medications, including certain amphetamines and anticoagulants, may cause hair loss at an early age.
Physical damage
Injury to the skin and hair follicles can also lead to hair loss. Some people experience traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by hair styling techniques that put stress on the hair.
Lack of nutrients
Hair loss sometimes occurs when you are deficient in certain essential vitamins, minerals or nutrients. For example, if you are deficient in zinc, iron, biotin, or protein, you may notice thinning hair.
Treating hair loss in your 20s
- Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription drug. It comes in tablet form and needs to be taken orally daily.
While finasteride won’t cure hair loss, it can prevent it from getting worse and may even help you regrow some of your hair that has fallen out. Finasteride prevents DHT from damaging your hair follicles and stops your hair loss from getting worse.
- Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication that stimulates hair growth. Like finasteride, it does not cure male pattern baldness. However, it can improve hair growth, thickness and overall appearance. Minoxidil is available in the market as a liquid solution or as a foam. It’s easy to apply and designed to be used twice a day.
- Habit and lifestyle changes
Changing some habits can help prevent or treat hair loss. Avoiding smoking, taking hair vitamins and supplements, having a regular check-up, taking proper medications, having a proper hair care routine, and using an anti-hair loss shampoo can give drastic changes to your hair and give a healthier look.
