Why Am I Balding at 20?: Learn How to Stop Early Hair Loss
Why Am I Balding at 20?: Learn How to Stop Early Hair Loss
Most of us think balding hits in middle age, but male pattern hair loss can start early and progress slowly. If you’re in your 20s and noticing thinning hair or balding, there’s good news: treatments are available to help slow or stop the process.
Read on to learn more about balding in your 20s, what signs you should look for, and the treatments that can help.
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What is Normal Hair Loss?
It’s usually normal for someone to shed 50-100 hairs daily. However, it is important to understand how hair regrowth and shedding patterns work. This knowledge will help you recognize normal hair loss and when you need to pay closer attention.
Hair growth occurs in three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
Anagen Phase: The active growth stage, lasting two to six years for most scalp hair follicles.
Catagen Phase: This transitional stage lasts two to three weeks, during which cell growth at the hair root stops, and the hair follicles prepare for shedding.
Telogen Phase: In this final stage, hairs that have stopped growing are shed from the scalp.
Each hair on your head is in a different stage of this cycle, which helps maintain consistent hair density. However, factors like stress or certain medical conditions can push hair follicles into the telogen phase more quickly, leading to increased hair loss.
Normal daily hair shedding shouldn’t result in noticeably less hair or thinning hair. If you notice a sudden increase in hair fall, consider simple explanations first, such as recent changes in behavior, hairstyles, or hair care routines that might be stressing your hair.
When Should I Be Worried About My Hair Loss?
If you notice a sudden increase in hair loss or gradual thinning in your 20s, there might be an underlying issue. It’s important to act and consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive hair loss, noticeable thinning, or decreased hair density
- Areas that appear to be balding or have a developing receding hairline
If you notice any of these, consult a professional as soon as possible to discuss a course of action.
Why Am I Losing My Hair at 20?
You might think you’re too young to start losing hair in your 20s, but hair loss can begin as early as your teen years and continue throughout your life. Up to 80% of men experience hair loss at some point.
Early hair loss can occur for various reasons, such as taking certain medications, undergoing medical treatments like radiation, or having nutritional deficiencies. However, it’s a combination of hormonal and genetic factors for most men.
This condition, known as male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia, affects both men and women, though it’s more common in men. About 20-25% of men with this condition start losing hair as early as their mid-teens.
Research shows that imbalances in androgen hormones like testosterone and DHT can cause your hair to thin and fall out.
Other factors that can increase hair loss include:
- Physical or emotional stress
- Lack of essential nutrients
- Medical conditions like thyroid disease
- Smoking and nicotine use
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Impaired microcirculation
- Poor scalp health
- Genetic predisposition to male or female pattern baldness
- Hormonal changes
- Impaired microcirculation
- Poor scalp health
- Genetic predisposition to male or female pattern baldness
While there’s no cure for male pattern baldness, starting treatments early can help slow and stop hair loss.
Male Signs of Balding in Your 20s
According to the American Hair Loss Association, about 25% of men start experiencing the first signs of androgenetic alopecia before they turn 21. For men in their 20s, early-onset balding typically follows the first three Norwood-Hamilton stages. You might notice symptoms such as:
- Slower hair growth
- Increased hair shedding
- Decreased hair volume
- Thinning hair
- Frail, weak hairs that break easily, especially around the temples and crown
- A receding hairline (distinct from the natural transition from a young hairline to a mature adult hairline in teenagers)
- A patchy, uneven hairline, possibly appearing as if it's receding more on one side
- Hair loss starting around the temples, causing a receding hairline around them
- The formation of an 'M' shaped hairline as temple hair loss progresses
- Hair loss beginning at the crown (top of your head)
- Increased scalp sensitivity and a higher likelihood of sunburn
- A patchy, uneven hairline, possibly appearing as if it's receding more on one side
- Hair loss starting around the temples, causing a receding hairline around them
- The formation of an 'M' shaped hairline as temple hair loss progresses
- Hair loss beginning at the crown (top of your head)
- Increased scalp sensitivity and a higher likelihood of sunburn
Female Signs of Balding in Your 20s
For women, the signs of early-onset androgenetic alopecia are similar but manifest differently. Women typically experience:
- Slower hair growth
- Increased hair shedding
- Decreased hair volume
- Weak hair
- However, unlike men, women usually don't lose hair at their temples. Instead, female pattern hair loss affects the top of the head, often where you part your hair. Women with early-onset androgenetic alopecia won't see significant changes at their temples or hairline. Instead, hair loss will be concentrated at the top of the head. As it progresses, you may notice:
- Noticeably decreased hair volume
- Increased thinning of hair
- More visible scalp when parting your hair down the middle or on the sides
- Diffuse thinning across the top of the head as hair loss worsens
- Noticeably decreased hair volume
- Increased thinning of hair
- More visible scalp when parting your hair down the middle or on the sides
- Diffuse thinning across the top of the head as hair loss worsens
What Treatments Help with Early-Onset Balding in Your 20s?
If you have early-onset balding, several treatments might help. Before recommending a specific treatment, you will meet with Dr. Cesar for a personalized hair loss consultation. During this appointment, we review your medical and family history related to hair loss and examine your scalp to determine the best treatment.
Dr. Cesar and his hair loss clinic are proud to offer both nonsurgical and surgical hair restoration treatments.
Dr. Cesar creates a customized hair restoration plan tailored to your unique needs based on this information. Here are some effective non-surgical therapies:
Custom-Blended Medications
For patients in their 20s, ILEA Hair Restoration has a wide variety of recommended custom-blended, prescription, or prescription-strength medications. These can be oral or topical treatments designed to trigger hair regrowth, promote hair retention, or slow hair loss. You might start seeing results in about 3–6 months.
Medications we provide:
- Minoxidil
- Finasteride
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
- Spironolactone
Custom-Blended Medications
For patients in their 20s, ILEA Hair Restoration has a wide variety of recommended custom-blended, prescription, or prescription-strength medications. These can be oral or topical treatments designed to trigger hair regrowth, promote hair retention, or slow hair loss. You might start seeing results in about 3–6 months.
Medications we provide:
- Minoxidil
- Finasteride
- Dutasteride (Avodart)
- Spironolactone
Regenerative Medicine
One popular treatment for men in their 20s is plasma therapy. This all-natural treatment uses platelets from your blood, which contain growth factors. Dr. Cesar uses a unique plasma system called the Selphyl Plasma System. During treatments, he injects plasma into areas with thinning hair to stimulate natural cell production and hair growth by energizing the hair follicles. After a session, you can expect to see new hair growth on your scalp.
Regenerative Medicine
One popular treatment for men in their 20s is plasma therapy. This all-natural treatment uses platelets from your blood, which contain growth factors. Dr. Cesar uses a unique plasma system called the Selphyl Plasma System. During treatments, he injects plasma into areas with thinning hair to stimulate natural cell production and hair growth by energizing the hair follicles. After a session, you can expect to see new hair growth on your scalp.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an FDA-approved, nonsurgical option for stopping hair loss. This therapy uses near-infrared energy to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting cellular regeneration and boosting hair growth. It’s especially effective when combined with other treatments, like medications.
Dr. Cesar is proud to provide the Capillus Cap to his clients. These caps are equipped with LLLT and are the perfect nonsurgical solution to hair loss for those who wish to avoid invasive surgery or hair restoration treatments.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an FDA-approved, nonsurgical option for stopping hair loss. This therapy uses near-infrared energy to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting cellular regeneration and boosting hair growth. It’s especially effective when combined with other treatments, like medications.
Dr. Cesar is proud to provide the Capillus Cap to his clients. These caps are equipped with LLLT and are the perfect nonsurgical solution to hair loss for those who wish to avoid invasive surgery or hair restoration treatments.
The LOCKrx Treatment
The LOCKrx treatment provides another excellent non-surgical hair restoration method and a fully drug-free solution for balding or thinning hair. The system uses hair loss vitamins and supplements to stimulate natural hair growth.
The LOCKrx Treatment
The LOCKrx treatment provides another excellent non-surgical hair restoration method and a fully drug-free solution for balding or thinning hair. The system uses hair loss vitamins and supplements to stimulate natural hair growth.
Surgical or Invasive Hair Restoration Treatments
Hair Transplantation
Dr. Cesar may suggest a hair transplant for those seeking a permanent solution for advanced hair loss. We use hair transplants to add thickness to thinning areas by taking donor follicles from parts of your scalp with strong hair growth. Instead of removing a large strip of your scalp, we use follicular unit extraction (FUE) so there’s no big scar.
Dr. Cesar might combine your hair transplant with Selphyl plasma injections to maximize hair growth. These injections stimulate hair growth in the transplant area, giving you the fullest head of hair possible.
Hair Transplantation
Dr. Cesar may suggest a hair transplant for those seeking a permanent solution for advanced hair loss. We use hair transplants to add thickness to thinning areas by taking donor follicles from parts of your scalp with strong hair growth. Instead of removing a large strip of your scalp, we use follicular unit extraction (FUE) so there’s no big scar.
Dr. Cesar might combine your hair transplant with Selphyl plasma injections to maximize hair growth. These injections stimulate hair growth in the transplant area, giving you the fullest head of hair possible.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) creates the appearance of a fuller, thicker head of hair. SMP is ideal for both men and women suffering from alopecia, balding, or thinning hair. It also corrects cosmetic concerns such as scars, burns, or bald spots. Commonly known as scalp tattooing, SMP replicates the appearance of hair follicles using advanced micropigmentation techniques.
You don’t have to accept balding in your 20s. Discover how the medical management at ILEA Hair Restoration can help you maintain a fuller head of hair by scheduling a consultation.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) creates the appearance of a fuller, thicker head of hair. SMP is ideal for both men and women suffering from alopecia, balding, or thinning hair. It also corrects cosmetic concerns such as scars, burns, or bald spots. Commonly known as scalp tattooing, SMP replicates the appearance of hair follicles using advanced micropigmentation techniques.
You don’t have to accept balding in your 20s. Discover how the medical management at ILEA Hair Restoration can help you maintain a fuller head of hair by scheduling a consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Cesar for Balding Solutions
Dr. Cesar Aristeiguieta of ILEA Hair Restoration is a board-certified surgeon offering various effective hair restoration options. In addition, Dr. Cesar is the leading hair transplant provider in Houston, TX, capable of helping anyone dealing with hair loss find the best solutions. Our team provides nonsurgical and surgical therapies to help restore hair and prevent future loss as you age.
Call us today at (882) 991-5411 to schedule your consultation for a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Cesar to determine which hair restoration method will help you keep a full head of hair in your 20s and beyond!
Book your free consultation
By submitting this form I agree to be contacted via phone, text, email.
