Home Grooming I’m Under 30! Why Am I Losing My Hair?

I’m Under 30! Why Am I Losing My Hair?

Losing your hair, which is a big part of our identity at almost any age, can be startling and confusing. Many people will tell you that it’s merely a matter of genetics and aging. Men, of course, tend to go bald more quickly than women. Testosterone is the hormone that has the most significant impact on your hair growth cycle, and men have more of it. Everyone has a male relative that’s bald or nearly bald in their family. It’s easy to worry that you’re the next one to have your hair fall out, especially if your hair is thinning.

When you’re young, you don’t expect to have your hair fall out, but it’s quite common. There are many potential causes of losing hair in men under 30, which can range from regular male pattern baldness to illnesses or stress.  No matter why you’re losing hair, there are always things you can do to keep the hair that’s still on your head healthy. In many cases, there are also things you can do to regrow your hair and make it stronger.

Why Do People Lose Hair? Causes of Hair Loss

There are many types of hair shedding that men can experience. For many, it can be a normal part of getting older. Often it’s in your genes. However, some types of hair shedding can come from other causes that need to be addressed. Here are some other things that might cause a guy to lose hair:

  • Trauma – Whether it’s a physical trauma such as a car wreck or major surgery, or emotional trauma such as the loss of a loved one, trauma can startle your system into sudden hair shedding, but it’s almost always temporary.
  • Illness – Like trauma, a significant cause of balding can often be an illness. People with thyroid disorders have a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the regular hair cycle.
  • Stress – Everyday stress, such as a high-pressure job that makes you lose sleep, can cause your hair to fall out. The hormones released during stressful times can disrupt your natural hair growth cycle.
  • Physical Stressors – Do you play with your hair absentmindedly? Do you tug at it when it’s tangled? You may suffer from trichotillomania, a compulsion to tug and pull on the hair, which irritates pores and loosens the hair. Try a fidget spinner or something else to keep your hands occupied.
  • Hair Products — Do you use hair product, such as hairspray or mousse that make your hair itchy? These products can irritate your hair follicles and even clog them, making it difficult for new hair to emerge.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis – Speaking of hair irritation, scalp inflammation can make your hair fall out. When your scalp is inflamed, it’s nearly impossible for new hairs to grow – your hair follicles swell and even can be clogged with oil because of the irritation. If you have dandruff, it’s time to take charge of it with a medicated scalp wash.
  • Medication or Supplements: A variety of drugs can cause disruptions in your normal hair cycle, but this side effect is usually buried in the pamphlet your pharmacist gives you. For women, it’s usually birth control, but for men, there are a ton of over-the-counter supplements that are supposed to help you build muscles that can cause your hair to fall out due to increased male hormones. The label won’t tell you that it’s can cause this problem, but it can and will – so lay off those muscle-growth supplements and try getting more protein, instead. Protein builds healthy hair as well as muscles.

How to Stop Losing Hair

It’s important to know that when you’re losing your hair, it’s not always a result of predetermined genetic factors. For example, if you suffer from thyroid disease, correcting your thyroid hormones will take several months of medication, but once you’re healthier, your hair will begin to grow back. Evaluating the cause of thinning hair should be a job between you and your physician. A complete blood panel (CBC) can be ordered to find any hormonal issues or vitamin deficiencies and rule out other diseases.

If your body hormones are in balance, it’s time to evaluate other causes, such as the ones we went over previously. Here are a few ideas to stop balding in its tracks:

  • Treat your hair well. Use shampoos, conditioners and hair products that are gentle on the scalp. Chemicals will only exacerbate your issues and can clog pores. If you have scalp irritation, then you will do well to see a dermatologist to help get your itching and inflammation under control. Massage your scalp gently when you shampoo, and wash off your hair in cold or lukewarm water.
  • Get enough protein. Protein is a building block for healthy hair and muscles, and the iron that meat usually contains also helps with these functions. Not a meat eater? Make sure you supplement your meals well.
  • Exercise to reduce stress. In addition to helping beat the pressure in your daily life, cardiovascular activity helps improve circulation, which in turn helps heal and rejuvenate every cell in your body.
  • Get your vitamins. Taking vitamins can help with hair loss. Biotin, iron, and many other vitamins and minerals can strengthen hair and assist the hair growth cycle. Biotin has even been studied and shown to help build new hair — even if the cause if your loss is unknown. Vitamins also help create better and stronger hair, skin and nails as well as aid with cardiovascular health.

Treat Your Hair Well

Taking care of your hair and scalp should become a regular part of your routine, no matter how old you are. Take the time to get your vitamins every day. Always schedule an annual checkup to stay ahead of any health problems. Treat your scalp with care and avoid harsh chemicals. Get exercise and learn other stress reduction techniques. Not only are these tips great for your hair, but also they’re also great for your general well being. They can help you feel great as well as look great, in your 20’s, 30’s and beyond.