While it's a well-known fact that most people tend to lose hair as they grow older, hair loss and thinning is not always related to aging. According to the American Hair Loss Association, around two-thirds of men residing in the country are likely to experience some degree of hair loss by the age of 35. By the time they are close to 50, almost 85% of the men will have significant hair loss and thinning.

However, among the men who experience male pattern baldness, close to 25% may find that the process begins rather early - sometimes even before they reach the age of 21. This may be difficult to accept, especially if you are someone who previously had a lot of hair.

So, if you are in your early 20s and have started noticing signs of hair loss, do not panic. If identified early, hair loss can be easily managed or prevented with the right treatment.

But, before we go on to the treatment part, it's important to know why you may be experiencing hair loss in the first place. To help you, here we have mentioned 3 possible reasons for hair loss in men under 25, along with information on how to identify and treat it. Read on to learn all about it!

 

Is It Normal For Men To Lose Hair In Their 20s?

Hair loss, to a certain extent, is normal - it is part of the natural renewal system of the body. Usually, a person may lose between 50 to 150 strands of hair every day. These are replaced by new hair, so one need not get alarmed as long as the hair fall is too excessive.

However, if you are losing a lot of hair on a daily basis and start noticing hair thinning or bald spots, that may be concerning. Unfortunately, hair loss is not something that you may only face during old age. Men of all ages, including those in their 20s, may experience hair fall and hair thinning. 

Usually, hair loss and thinning in men result from male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. This condition is associated with genetic and hormonal factors, and the effect is permanent. So, it is of utmost importance to opt for treatment in the early stages to prevent permanent baldness. And for that, you need to identify the signs of hair loss in time.  

 

Common Symptoms Of Hair Loss

Since it's normal to lose several strands of hair daily, not many may be able to identify signs of hair loss until they are paying close attention. As a result, by the time you detect that something’s wrong, you may have lost a significant amount of hair, often permanently.

However, there are several common symptoms that can help you determine whether you are losing more hair strands than the normal rate. Below are some of the signs of hair loss that you can look out for.

 

1. Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is perhaps the most noticeable symptom for men under the age of 25. The most common sign is thinning on the top of the head, which may gradually increase with time. As it tends to progress very slowly, you may not be able to identify it in the early stages unless you pay enough attention to your hair. While this pattern of hair loss can be experienced by anyone, it is more common in certain racial groups (such as Asians).

In some people, however, the thinning may start at the temples or back of the head before spreading to other parts of the scalp. Again, some individuals may experience an overall thinning of the hair throughout their heads. Here, one may not notice any specific pattern, but the hair appears considerably lesser over time.

 

2. Receding Hairline

Another common symptom associated with male pattern baldness is the receding hairline. Here, the pattern of hair loss is such that the hair starts thinning out near the forehead and sides. As a result, it may appear that your hairline is receding, making your forehead appear bigger.

Usually, this process begins above the temples and may form an M-shaped hairline in case the hair loss on the sides of the head is faster than that of the middle. In some individuals, the receding hair may cause the top of the head to become almost bare with time, leaving only a ring of hair on the sides and back of the head. 

You are most likely to experience a receding hairline if the pattern runs in the family. So, if you have a family history of baldness, you are likely to experience the same too.

 

3. Excessive Shedding

It's rare to have days when you experience no hair fall since it's a natural process. However, it is a slow process, so usually, you won't lose more than 50 to 150 hair strands daily. Therefore, if you notice excessive hair fall all of a sudden, that may be a warning sign. It may be a symptom of an underlying health issue that shouldn't be ignored.

So, if you notice excessive hair loss or find your hair coming off in large clumps, get in touch with a reputed healthcare professional without delay. Your doctor will be able to determine the issue that's causing the sudden hair loss and suggest the best methods of treatment too.

 

4. Bald Spots

Apart from hair thinning, another easily noticeable sign of hair loss is the development of bald spots on the scalp. These may be caused either due to losing large clumps of hair from the same area or develop gradually as you keep losing hair over time.

You may notice one or multiple bald spots and patches over your scalp. Usually, the skin around the area with bald spots may feel painful or itchy just before the hair strands fall out.

 

3 Possible Reasons For Hair Loss In Men Under 25

Now that we know the common signs of hair loss in men under 25, let's move on to the most important part - the reasons behind such hair loss. Losing hair at 25 for males is more common than you think, and there are several reasons that may be causing this issue. Genetics, hormonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle, and improper eating habits are just a few. However, the 3 most common reasons why you may be losing hair at 25 are as follows.

 

1. Male Pattern Baldness

Androgenic alopecia, also commonly known as male pattern baldness, is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. While it can affect men of all ages, in a considerable number of cases, the affected person starts noticing the signs during their 20s. Approximately 50 million men in the US itself are estimated to suffer from male pattern baldness.

One major cause of this condition is genetics, i.e., if male pattern baldness runs in your immediate family or among close relatives, it's likely that you'll experience it too. And often, the age around which this process starts is also similar across generations. Studies have found that the development condition is associated with androgens, a male hormone that plays an important role in regulating hair growth.

Being an inherited condition, male pattern baldness, unfortunately, cannot be prevented. However, with the right treatment, you can slow down the process of hair loss to some extent.

 

2. Inadequate Nutrition

Nutritional deficiencies can be a major cause of hair thinning and loss. The negative effect of inadequate nutrition on hair health has been confirmed by several studies. You see, the hair follicles are among the most active cells in the body, which undergo rapid cell division. But, nutritional deficiencies can interfere with their normal functioning, thereby increasing hair loss.

A lack of nutrients like iron, zinc, copper, and Vitamin D can impact your hair’s structure and growth, leading to increased hair fall or thinning.

So, if you have been following a crash diet or eating unhealthy food in general, your body may not be receiving enough nutrients to produce new healthy hair. To avoid this, it's best to get in touch with a medical professional who can assess your condition and prescribe some supplements.

 

3. Excessive Stress Or Trauma

Can stress be a reason for hair loss? Well, the answer is yes - you can lose hair due to excessive stress or anxiety. There are two main types of hair loss that you may experience due to increased stress levels - telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.

Telogen effluvium is a condition that usually occurs after you experience some kind of stress or trauma. In such cases, many hair follicles go into a resting phase all at once and suddenly fall out after a few weeks or months. This may happen while you are simply washing or combing your hair, thereby alarming you.

Alopecia areata, on the other hand, is an auto-immune disorder in which the white blood cells of your body attack the hair follicles. This may result in small or big bald patches over the scalp. 

However, the good news is that, unlike genetic causes, stress-induced hair loss is usually temporary. So as long as you can manage your stress levels and opt for the necessary treatment, preventing this type of hair loss wouldn't be too difficult.

 

 

How To Combat Hair Loss?

Excessive hair loss, especially in the 20s can deal a severe blow to your confidence levels. However, there are several ways in which you can slow down, prevent, or treat this problem. Some of the most common ways of combating hair loss are mentioned below.

 

Medication

Several over-the-counter medications are useful in treating hair loss caused by genetic factors. Minoxidil is one of the most effective non-prescription medications that can help combat male pattern baldness. Available in different forms, including foam and liquid, this drug can help promote hair growth and boost the thickness of the hair shaft. Another prescription drug, finasteride, also helps slow hair loss in men. Continued use for at least a few months is necessary before you start to see results.

However, some of these medications may have side effects, therefore it is recommended that you only take them after a detailed consultation with an experienced medical professional.

 

Lifestyle Changes

If your hair loss is caused by non-genetic factors, making positive changes in your daily lifestyle can help. For starters, avoid unhealthy food and ensure you follow a balanced diet. Include food rich in protein, iron, and other nutrients that can help improve hair health.

Stress management is important for men suffering from stress-induced hair loss, such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. In case you find it difficult to manage stress and anxiety, it's best to get in touch with a reputed mental health professional for advice and counseling. 

Also, avoid using products with harsh ingredients - many hair styling products and shampoos contain chemicals that can harm your hair, leading to hair fall or impaired hair growth.

 

Surgical Procedures

If you suffer from excessive hair loss leading to bald spots due to androgenic alopecia, you can regain your hair through surgical procedures. The most popular procedure for male pattern baldness is hair transplant surgery, where hair from other parts of the scalp is moved to the bald area. Small pieces of skin, also known as grafts, each containing 1 or more strands of hair, are removed from parts of the scalp with healthy hair and planted on the hairless portions. This procedure is also known as grafting.

Apart from hair transplants, other surgical methods used for managing hair loss include scalp reduction and scalp flap surgery.

 

Summing Up

Hair loss and baldness can easily lower the self-esteem of men in their 20s. But, identifying the signs of hair loss in time can help slow down this process considerably. The information provided in this article will help you understand the causes of hair loss and how you can combat them. In case you feel that you have been experiencing increased hair fall, make sure to contact a medical professional to diagnose and treat the condition at an early stage.