Hair Loss at a Young Age: Why It’s Becoming More Common

Juliet D'cruz

Updated on:

It’s completely natural to lose hair the older you get. However, some people have already started to experience hair loss at a young age, and no doubt, this can impact your self-esteem, especially if it’s a problem you’re facing during your teenage years.  

However, there are several reasons behind losing hair at an early age, and most of them have a solution. Keep reading to learn about what they are and what you can do about it. 

Genetics

Hair loss can sometimes be genetic, which refers to androgenetic alopecia and can be seen both in men and women. In men, it usually appears as a gradually balding, especially at the crown. Women, on the other hand, notice their hair thinning along some sides of their heads. 

Androgenetic alopecia hair loss tends to start in adulthood, but teenagers can also show symptoms. If you have close family relatives who have developed this problem, you will most likely inherit it. 

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata, an autoimmune health condition that causes your hair to fall out in small patches, can develop when your body begins to mistake healthy cells for invading ones. In other words, your immune systems start attacking your hair follicles, and you can even lose hair in your eyebrows, eyelashes, and body. People develop this problem in their mid-thirties, but it can also develop during early childhood. 

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Unhealthy Diet

Nutrient deficiencies can cause hair loss as well. Eating too much, too little, and not enough healthy nutrients can lead to eating disorders, digestive problems, and dietary imbalances, which can all cause hair loss. A deficiency in vitamins A, E, C, D, zinc, iron, and folic acid can lead to hair loss. 

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid conditions can cause a drastic hormonal imbalance, leading to brittle hair or hair loss. When the cause of your hair loss is due to a thyroid condition, your hair thins across your entire scalp, especially if your thyroid condition is severe.

Lupus

Lupus is another form of autoimmune disease that makes your immune system target your own tissues or organs. It can cause symptoms such as fatigue, rashes, joint pain, and hair loss. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 

Another possible health condition that can lead to hair loss is polycystic ovary syndrome. It’s a common female medical condition that causes your body to produce an excessive amount of androgen or male sex hormones. When your body has too much of these hormones, it can cause acne, disrupted menstrual cycles, and hair thinning. 

Over-Coloring and Styling Your Hair

Coloring your hair too often or frequently getting chemical hair treatments done can damage your hair and potentially lead to hair breakage. However, these beauty treatments don’t affect your hair root, so your hair will eventually start growing out again once you stop. Also, over-exposure to the sun and heat can lead to severe hair damage and loss. 

Stress

Stress is probably the main cause of hair loss at a young age. Too much stress can disrupt the hair growth process, and teenagers are faced with excessive amounts of stress and anxiety more than ever. Researches have revealed that the new generation of young ones are experiencing higher stress levels than previous generations, and they’re also struggling to cope. 

What to Do About Hair Loss at a Young Age

Most of these causes can be stopped and reversed. If you suspect that the cause of your hair loss is due to an underlying health issue, then it’s best to visit a doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis. Once you get a diagnosis, the treatment that your doctor provides will most likely stop your hair loss. 

If your hair loss is thanks to a chronic condition, such as alopecia, then you can find ways to improve the appearance of your hair. For example, people seek out natural hair extensions, wigs or even get natural hair tattoos

If you think that stress and anxiety are the blame for your hair loss, finding effective coping mechanisms and decreasing your stress is the best solution. Of course, lowering your stress and anxiety is easier said than done, but you can try a few things to help ease symptoms. 

Eat Right

As mentioned above, malnutrition can lead to hair loss. However, not eating the right foods can increase your stress levels and worsen anxiety symptoms. Poor dietary choices such as eating loads of junk food or skipping meals will make your body run low on nutrients. 

So, start making smarter choices. Keep your diet healthy and balanced. And, make sure to include all the necessary nutrients.

Exercise

It’s natural not to want to get active when you’re exhausted and stressed. However, it’s crucial to make time for regular exercise. When you work out, your brain releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain and stress relievers. 

Get Quality Sleep

Teenagers need approximately 8-9 hours of sleep every night. If you don’t rest enough, your body and brain won’t fully restore themselves, leading to poor performance in every aspect of your life and increasing your stress levels. Try to regulate your sleep by setting a night routine and going to bed early.

Follow These Tips for Results!

As you read, there are many reasons why some people experience hair loss at a young age. However, before trying out random treatments, get to the bottom of the cause first, and from there, you’ll know how to treat your hair loss properly. 

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