What Causes Hair Loss in Young Men?

• 22 August 2024
• Dr. Ossman Ashraf

Last updated on August 8, 2024

Noticing a few extra hairs in the shower drain, or a stubborn patch emerging at the crown of your head? Hair loss can be a daunting experience for young men, impacting confidence and self-esteem. But before you resign yourself to a future of a receding hairline, let’s explore what causes hair loss in young men and discover potential solutions for a fuller head of hair. Here’s insight from the experienced hair restoration team at Hair Doctors.

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)

This is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting roughly 50% of men by the age of 50. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is a genetic condition influenced by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, leading to progressively thinner hair and a receding hairline. This typically follows a predictable pattern, with hair loss starting at the temples and crown of the head.

2. Telogen Effluvium

This is a temporary form of hair loss that can occur due to various stressors on the body. Unlike male pattern baldness, telogen effluvium can affect the entire scalp and often results in noticeable hair shedding. Common triggers for telogen effluvium include:

• Stress

  Physical or emotional stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

  A lack of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, biotin, and protein can contribute to hair loss.

• Sudden Weight Loss

  Rapid weight loss can put stress on the body and trigger temporary hair shedding.

• Illness

  Certain medical conditions and surgeries can cause temporary hair loss as part of the recovery process.

• Medications

  Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and certain blood thinners, can have hair loss as a side effect.

3. Seborrheic Dermatitis (Seborrheic Eczema)

This chronic skin condition causes red, scaly patches and inflammation on the scalp. While not directly an infection, seborrheic dermatitis can contribute to hair loss by creating an unhealthy environment for hair follicles to thrive. Symptoms include:

• Greasy, flaky scalp (dandruff)
• Red, itchy patches
• Scalp irritation

4. Tinea Capitis (Ringworm)

This is a fungal infection of the scalp that is highly contagious. It can cause patchy hair loss, red, scaly patches, and short, brittle hairs. Ringworm spreads easily through direct contact or by sharing contaminated objects. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent scarring and permanent hair loss.

5. Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to sudden hair loss in round or patchy areas. It can affect the scalp, beard, or any other hair-bearing part of the body.

Hair loss occurs in young men for many different reasons – the key to fixing this is to get an early diagnosis and treatment from a qualified, experienced hair loss team.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you are experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or qualified hair loss doctors for proper diagnosis. They can assess your scalp, discuss your medical history, and perform tests to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options will vary depending on the cause of your hair loss. Here’s a brief overview:

• Androgenetic Alopecia

  Medications and DHT blocker therapy can be prescribed to slow down hair loss and promote thicker regrowth in cases of androgenetic alopecia. Hair transplant surgery may be an option for some men with advanced baldness.

• Telogen Effluvium

  Addressing the underlying cause of the hair loss is key. This may involve managing stress, improving your diet, or discontinuing medications that might be contributing to the shedding. In most cases, hair growth resumes on its own once the trigger is addressed.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis

  Medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, coal tar, or salicylic acid can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.

• Tinea Capitis

  Oral antifungal medications are typically used to treat ringworm of the scalp.

• Alopecia Areata

  There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatment options that can help manage hair loss and promote regrowth. These may include alopecia areata injections, corticosteroids, topical medications, or light therapy.

Almost every type of hair loss has a solution, from hereditary hair loss to patchy hair loss from alopecia areata. Book a consult with Hair Doctors for safe, effective treatment that slows or prevents further hair loss and restores your thick, full hairline.

Maintaining Healthy Hair

While some causes of hair loss are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to promote healthy hair growth and potentially slow down hair loss:

• Maintain good scalp hygiene by washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for healthy hair growth.
• Manage stress levels through exercise or relaxation techniques.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive heat styling.
• Consider using hair loss prevention products, but consult a doctor for recommendations.

Remember, you’re not alone! Hair loss is a common experience, and there are solutions available. By getting a proper diagnosis and exploring treatment options, you can take control of your hair loss and maintain a healthy head of hair.
Looking for professional help for your receding hairline and promoting new hair growth with hair loss treatments? Book a consultation at Hair Doctors – a top rated clinic and specialist team treating hair loss in men and women.

FAQs

Will I go completely bald if I start losing hair young?

Not necessarily. While genetics play a role, the rate of progression in male pattern baldness varies. Some men experience slow thinning over decades, while others may see a more rapid progression. Early diagnosis and hair loss treatments such as PRP therapy, PRF therapy, and hair loss medications can help slow down hair loss and maintain a fuller head of hair for longer.

Can hair transplants give me a completely full head of hair?

Hair transplants involve surgically transplanting healthy hair follicles from a donor area on the scalp to a balding area. While effective, they can’t create new hair follicles and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with advanced baldness. A diagnosis with a hair and scalp analysis, realistic expectations and consultation with a qualified hair transplant team are crucial for achieving a natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome of your hair loss treatment.

Should I wear a hat to hide my hair loss?

While hats can be a temporary solution to conceal hair loss, wearing them excessively may irritate the scalp and hinder hair growth. It’s best to focus on addressing the underlying cause of hair loss and explore treatment options for long-term solutions. However, hats can be a stylish accessory, and there’s no harm in incorporating them into your wardrobe as long as you prioritise scalp health.

What lifestyle changes can I make to promote healthy hair growth?

Several lifestyle changes can promote healthy hair growth and potentially slow down or prevent hair loss. These include:

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients

  Biotin, iron, zinc, and protein are all important for hair health. Ensure you’re getting enough of these nutrients through your diet or consider supplements after consulting a doctor.

• Managing stress levels

  Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can help manage stress levels and promote overall well-being.

• Getting enough sleep

  Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to hair loss as well as slowing new hair growth.

• Avoiding smoking

  Smoking can restrict blood flow to the scalp and compromise hair follicle health and cause you to lose hair. Quitting smoking can be beneficial for overall health and potentially improve hair growth.