Hair fall is normal. In fact, a person can shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It only becomes concerning when there is excessive hair loss, resulting in baldness.
Most people think that balding is a problem for middle-aged or older adults. However, it may come as a surprise that male-pattern hair loss often starts early and develops slowly. In this article, we delve into the common causes that can lead to hair loss in men under 25. Dr Nivedita Dadu, Dermatologist, Founder and Chairman, Dadu Medical Centre, sheds light on the same and shares how it can be tackled.
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Common Causes Of Hair Loss In Men Under 25
“It’s not uncommon for men under the age of 25 to experience hair loss, a phenomenon that can be quite distressing,” says Dr Dadu.
She adds, “While genetics play a significant role, with familial patterns often dictating the timing and severity of hair loss, other factors can contribute as well.” These include:
- Lifestyle choices, such as diet, stress levels, and hair care practices
- Hormonal imbalances, which are common during adolescence and young adulthood,
- Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, result in premature baldness.
- Medications prescribed for various health issues, including antidepressants, antibiotics, and high blood pressure or clotting disorder medications
Male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), also called male pattern baldness, is one of the most common forms of hair loss that affects both men and women. According to WebMD, men with this condition can experience hair loss as early as their teens or early 20s.
According to Endotext, it is the most common form of hair loss in men, affecting 30–50% of men by age 50.
Understanding Traction Alopecia
Another cause of hair loss in young men is traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair follicles, explains Dr Dadu.
She suggests certain hairstyles, particularly those that exert tension on the hair follicles, can contribute to it.
“Styles like tight braids, ponytails, or dreadlocks can gradually weaken the hair shafts and lead to hair loss over time, she shares, adding that stress is another factor that can exacerbate hair loss, with significant life events or chronic stressors impacting overall hair health.
How To Differentiate Between Regular Hairfall And Hair Loss?
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According to Dr Dadu, distinguishing between regular hair fall and pathological hair loss is crucial for appropriate management.
“Hair fall, characterised by the shedding of hair during normal grooming or washing, is a natural physiological process. However, when hair loss exceeds the normal range and leads to visible thinning or bald patches, it may indicate an underlying issue,” she explains.
Additionally, hair thinning typically occurs gradually over time, whereas pathological hair loss, often associated with conditions like male-pattern baldness or alopecia, manifests as excessive shedding or the formation of bald patches on the scalp, Dr Dadu further notes.
Also Read: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Its Intricate Connection With Hairloss
On Managing Baldness In Young People
Young people who experience excessive hair loss to the point of developing baldness should seek evaluation by a dermatologist or trichologist.
Only after undergoing an examination can the underlying causes of hair loss be determined.
Dr Dadu shares that medications such as minoxidil and finasteride have been shown to effectively slow down hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth in individuals with male-pattern baldness.
In addition, lifestyle modifications such as adopting a balanced diet, practising stress-reducing techniques, and avoiding harsh hair treatments can promote overall hair health and minimise hair loss.
For individuals with advanced hair loss, surgical options such as hair transplantation may be considered, the dermatologist concludes.