It is no secret that many men these days have started to bald in their early twenties. Unlike popular belief, hair loss is no longer a problem for the old.
It is estimated that for 40% of men, hair loss begins to be visible when they are 40. While hair loss is undeniably alarming for men, early detection can help to effectively treat the issue.
The article is a part of our comprehensive series on “Receding hairline in men: Causes and treatment options.”
Reasons for receding hairline in your 20s
Here are the top reasons that might be causing your hair to fail in the early twenties.
1. Hereditary/Male pattern baldness
One of the prime reasons for going bald in your twenties is your genetics. Male pattern baldness can be inherited from either side of a person’s family.
Since MPB is a genetic condition, there is no permanent cure for this problem. The person will eventually lose some or all of his hair; however, the good news is that the progress can be delayed to a greater extent with proper medication.
2. Certain medical condition
Certain medical conditions such as anaemia, scalp infections, thyroid disease, alopecia areata, – etc., are believed to cause hair loss. However, after successful treatment, there is a high chance that you will be able to restore your hair growth.
3. Poor nutrition and diet
This is another potential reason for hair loss in youngsters. A diet that is low in protein or severely restricted in calories may cause temporary hair loss.
In addition, low levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, biotin, Vitamin A, B complex can lead to hair loss. Thus it is essential to ensure that you eat healthy food and take enough vitamins to improve your hair quality.
4. Stress
Studies have shown that stress is one of the critical causes of thinning of hair. These days youngsters are under high pressure, which can lead to long-term stress.
It is noted that during exam time, a lot of graduate students tend to lose hair. Although this may be temporary, it can also accelerate other forms of hair loss, such as male pattern baldness.
5. Alcohol consumption
Research has given various proofs that excessive alcohol consumption can cause baldness in the early twenties. If large quantities of alcohol are a part of your daily intake, the chances are high that you might temporarily experience excessive hair loss.
Dermatologists recommend that if you are experiencing symptoms due to alcohol abuse, it is better to cut down on the quantity until you have restored your hair.
6. Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains many toxins and free radicals, which shrinks the blood vessels supplying nutrient-rich blood to your hair follicles.
Studies have indicated that smokers in their early twenties experience more significant amount of hair loss than those who didn’t smoke.
7. Cosmetic procedures
Various cosmetic procedures such as bleaching, dyeing, shampooing or colouring of your hair can make your hair brittle and contribute to overall hair thinning.
If this is the cause of your hair fall, stopping the use of these products might restore new hair growth.
How to reverse a receding hairline in your 20s?
If you are someone experiencing hair fall in your early twenties, the good news is that it can be effectively reversed to some extent with proper treatments and nutrition.
Let us examine some of the effective ways with which you could reverse a receding hairline.
1. Dietary changes
Ensure that you include a diet rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals along with antioxidant-rich foods such as almonds, spinach, kidney beans, blueberries, etc.
2. Minoxidil
This drug is used as the mainstay treatment for androgenetic alopecia and is also used as an off-label treatment method for other hair loss conditions.
The effect of minoxidil lasts as long as the person uses the treatment. However, in some instances, baldness is known to return after the person has stopped the treatment.
3. Massaging your scalp
This home remedy might sound simple, but it is worth trying. Studies have shown that massaging your scalp with nutrient-rich oil helps to improve blood circulation and promotes hair growth.
4. Hair transplant
This technique provides a long term solution, especially if you are experiencing significant hair loss whilein your early twenties and still a long way to go in your life.
In this process, hair follicles that are highly resistant to DHT are taken out from the backside of the head and surgically implanted in other areas of the head.
5. Corticosteroids
This is another effective treatment to control hair fall in young men. If you are in your early twenties, you can discuss with your dermatologist regarding the use of corticosteroids.
The drug works by reducing the inflammation around hair follicles and helping them to recover and grow.
6. Using herbal or medicated products
Certain hair conditioners and shampoos are known to create irritation on the scalp and result in hair fall. If you feel that your hair fall might be due to an allergic reaction, resorting to herbal hair cleaners will help you a lot.
7. Using finasteride
This drug works well in slowing down the rate at which testosterone is converted to DHT. As a result, hair loss sufferers in their twenties can effectively use this treatment to control their hair fall.
8. Laser therapy
This is a non-invasive treatment in which laser beams of 600nm are used to stimulate hair growth on the affected region of the head.
