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Why You’re Losing Hair in Your 20s
Hair loss has always been associated with aging, but today, more individuals are becoming concerned about loss of hair, even in their 20s. Thinning hair and receding hairlines can be caused by a number of different factors. Fortunately a number of remedies are available today to help with hair loss.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Heredity is a strong predictor of hair loss. If your parents or grandparents have lost their hair at an early age, you may, also. Hormonal changes can affect hair loss, as well as some medical conditions. Individuals undergoing radiation treatment may experience hair loss. Some medications can also produce hair loss as one of the side effects.
Stress and the Normal Growth Cycle
Hair normally grows in three different stages. During the anagen stage, the hair will grow. This stage lasts from two to six years. Then, the hair enters that catagen stage, in which the hair follicle will shrink slightly. Finally, the hair reaches the telogen stage, in which the hair stabilizes. In the exogen stage, the hair falls out. The process continues, over and over producing new hairs and shedding from 50 to 100 hairs per day. Higher cortisol hormone levels, which are associated with being under stress, can also lead to greater hair loss. Young individuals may feel under greater stress in today’s world, which can contribute to earlier hair loss.
Trendy Hair Processing Can Lead to Scalp Damage
Younger people may also be subject to hair loss earlier than their older counterparts because of modern hair trends. It’s not unusual for individuals to have their hair bleached, permed, relaxed or otherwise processed using a variety of harsh chemicals. Frequent use of these products can lead to damage to hair follicles and disruptions in the normal hair growth cycle. Over time, this can lead to thinning of the hair. A hair transplant may be the only way to restore hair growth to these areas.
A Number of Hair Restoration Options Are Available
An oral medication, finasteride, is available that can help to regrow hair in thinning or balding areas. Topical medications, such as Rogaine, have become a popular option for regrowth of thinning hair. Hair transplant procedures have become more refined, offering a surgical option to help with thinning and receding hairlines. New techniques continue to be explored to offer help for hair loss.
If you are beginning to experience noticeable loss of hair in your 20s, you can take steps to preserve your remaining hair. Talk to your dermatologist about strategies to improve the condition of your scalp for better hair growth. You can also consult with a hair transplant specialist can provide information about techniques to restore a more attractive head of hair.
